Alexander Edward Arthur Hargraves

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Tue, 29/12/2015 - 12:24

First Name:

Alexander

Middle Name:

Edward Arthur

Last Name:

Hargraves

Alternate Spelling:

Hargreaves

Date of Birth:

Tuesday, August 28, 1894

Mother's Name:

Matilda Hargraves (nee Tailor)

Father's Name:

Charles Hargraves

Date Enlisted:

Wednesday, September 20, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

38th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, October 17, 1917

Place of Death:

Passchendaele, Belgium

Cause of Death:

Died of wounds

Details:

Alexander Hargraves (Service No 2575) was born in Helensburgh, N.S.W. He still lived in his home town when he enlisted at the age of 22. Alexander had married Emma Hill in 1914 and the family settled in Helensburgh where he worked as a wheeler. By the time Alexander enlisted the couple had 2 children. He had 3 years experience with the Cadets and 2 years with 37th infantry Militia.

Alexander embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A24 Benalla with 15th Reinforcements, 38th Battalion, on 9th November 1916. He arrived in England on 9th January 1917 and joined 38th Battalion in France on 24th April 1916.

Alexander served on the Western Front until 7th June 1917 when he was wounded and evacuated to England for treatment of a gun shot wound to his left thigh. He rejoined his unit on 26th August 1917.

On 13th October 1917 while fighting at Passchendaele he was wounded in action a second time. Alexander was evacuated to St John Ambulance Brigade Hospital for treatment of multiple gun shot wounds to his arm, thigh and abdomen, and his right arm was amputated. At 9 pm on 17th October, while at 37th Casualty Clearing Station, Alexander died from his wounds.

Alexander is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France; Plot XXX, Row D, Grave 20A.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, HARGRAVES A