Andrew Rae

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sun, 21/08/2016 - 12:04

First Name:

Andrew

Last Name:

Rae

Date of Birth:

Saturday, March 19, 1887

Mother's Name:

Janet Rae nee Steven

Father's Name:

James Rae

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, September 16, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Sergeant

Unit:

20th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Date of Death:

Wednesday, April 28, 1948

Place of Death:

Cessnock, N.S.W.

Details:

Andrew Rae (Service No 5893) was born in Hamilton, Scotland and came to Australia with his family before 1889.

In 1899 he married Effie McGarry at Woonona, N.S.W. and together they raised a family. Andrew Rae was bandmaster of the Balgownie and Helensburgh Town Bands.

At enlistment Andrew was married, 38 years old, and employed as a bandmaster.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic with 16th Reinforcements, 20th Battalion, on 7th October 1916. He was promoted to band Sergeant for the trip to England and reverted to Private on arrival on 21st November 1916.

Andrew served in England at various camps and was promoted to Sergeant on 1st January 1918.

He returned to Australia in December 1918 and was discharged medically unfit on 30th March 1919.

The family moved to Cessnock and Andrew died there in 1948.

He is commemorated on the Balgownie War Memorial 1914-1918.

Andrew's 15 year old son James (Service No 5894) also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, RAE ANDREW