Albert Henry Downie
Personal details
| Mother's name | Jane (nee Macgee) |
| Father's name | James Downie |
Service details
| Date enlisted | Tuesday 20 April 1915 |
| Rank at enlistment | Private |
| Rank at discharge | Private |
| Service | Infantry |
| Unit | No. 3 Australian General Hospital |
| Awards | 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Story
Albert Downie (Service No 4371) was born in Helensburgh, NSW about 1898. He spent 2 years and 9 months in the cadets and at the time of enlistment was a Cadet Sergeant. He was very keen to enlist and at 17 years and 3 months he obtained permission from his parents and a letter from his cadet officer recommending he be accepted.
A single labourer he embarked on RMS Mooltan on 15th May 1915 with No 3 Australian General Hospital. He served in Egypt as a batman, too young for combat at that time. Albert went to England and on 14th May 1917 he transferred to 10th Battalion and finally saw service on the Western Front. He was evacuated to hospital in England on 28th August 1918 wounded and gassed, having been hit by a gas shell. There are no entries in his file for any offences while away.
He was returned to Australia in February 1919 and discharged medically unfit 20th March 1920. His brother James (Service No 2780) also served.
Information sources
NAA: B2455, DOWNIE A HRelated links
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1844697/