Alfred Ishmael Braithwaite

First Name: 
Alfred
Middle Name: 
Ishmael
Last Name: 
Braithwaite
Date of Birth: 
Sunday, April 19, 1896
Mother's Name: 
Clara Braithwaite nee Richardson
Father's Name: 
Ishmael Braithwaite
Date Enlisted: 
Thursday, November 25, 1915
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Corporal
Unit: 
1st Battalion
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Place of Death: 
Box Hill, Victoria
Details: 

Alfred Ishmael Braithwaite (Service No 5049), was 19 years old, single, worked as a printer, lived in Nowra, N.S.W.  and had 2 years service in the Militia, when he joined the Waratah March with his brother, John.

Alfred embarked on SS Makarini with the 1st Battalion, 16th Reinforcement, on 1st April 1916. He disembarked in France on 17th May 1916 and joined the 1st Battalion on 18th June 1916. Alfred saw service on the Western Front and was promoted to Corporal before he was wounded in action between 5th and 8th May 1917 at Bullecourt, France. He was evacuated to hospital for treatment of a gun shot wound to his left hand. Alfred was deemed unfit for further active service and returned to Australia in September 1917. He was discharged medically unfit with a pension on 26th March 1918. Alfred tried to re enlist in March 1918 but was not accepted. Alfred was employed by the Nowra Leader, and whilst he was serving overseas, they published a number of his letters written home.

In 1922, Alfred married Lilias Young and they had 2 children.

He enlisted for service in WW2, and served as Lance Sergeant Braithwaite (Service No  V363638), with the 3rd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps, from 2nd April 1942 until 1st October 1945.

Alfred died in Victoria in 1958.

He is commemorated for his service on the Nowra Post Office, Showground and Public Schools Rolls of Honour.

Alfred's brothers John Braithwaite (Service No 5050) and Henry Braithwaite (Service No 2338), also served.

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, BRAITHWAITE A I