Archibald Hamilton

Archibald Hamilton (Service No 5114)  was born in Boness, Scotland.

At enlistment Archibald was single, 28 years old, employed as a miner, and lived in Corrimal, N.S.W.  

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A71 Nestor with 16th Reinforcements, 2nd Battalion on 9th April 1916.  The troops arrived in Egypt on 1st May 1916 and Archibald joined 2nd Battalion in France on 10th August 1916.

Archibald e was wounded in action on 14th February 1917, however, the wound was slight and Archibald was able to remain on duty.

On 10th October Archibald was recommended for the Military Medal and this was awarded in the field. The citation for his Military Medal reads: 'On the 4th October during the operations against the BROODSEINDE Ridge Pte Hamilton volunteered for service as a stretcher bearer although he had been badly shaken by shells bursting near him. Time after time he carried wounded men of this and other Battalions to the R.A.P. passing through the enemy barrage and over a ??? to do so. His fine courage and endurance was witnessed by many to whom he set a magnificent example. When the trench held by his company was obliterated and the garrison had to be moved to the flanks he remained tending the wounded and he undoubtedly saved many lives.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95, 27th June 1918

On 24th May 1918 Archibald was wounded a second time and admitted to hospital in France for treatment of a gun shot wound to his right hand.  He returned to his unit on 18th September 1918.  He was in London when the war ended and Archibald just went home, not waiting to be demobbed or discharged.  Subsequently he was listed as AWOL from early 1919 until he was discharged in London on 22nd July 1920.

Archibald reported to the Army in 1921 and his papers were amended.  He married in Scotland and returned to Australia with his family and his children.

Archibald died in Bulli in 1968.