Ahlers, Ferdinand Emil
PLACE OF BIRTH
Maytown
OCCUPATION
Miner
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT
Cairns
DATE OF ENLISTMENT
2-09-16
NEXT OF KIN
Charles Ahlers, (father) Maytown then Mossman
LINK TO DOUGLAS SHIRE
Father moved to Mossman
REGIMENT 1
49th Battalion AIF
RANK
Private
CAMPAIGN 1
Western Front
KILLED IN ACTION
Yes, 26-09-17
OTHER INFO
Awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal
STORY OUTLINE
Ferdinand Emil Ahlers was raised in Maytown, a miner's son. He enlisted at Cooktown in September 1916 and was assigned to 8th Reinforcements (possibly as an ambulance bearer) of the 49th Battalion, entering the war in the Western Front at Havre in June 1917. Before departing Australia, he sent a postcard to a Mrs Brown, reading as follows: 'Dear Mrs Brown, I am forwarding you a photo in remembrance of me as being the only soldier boy from Maytown. I have been very ill for the last four weeks. I should have been sailing for Egypt on Friday. We are having a good time here - five bob a day and plenty to eat. Hoping you are all well, with best regards to all, Pte FE Ahlers.'
In July he was wounded but remained in action. 0n 26th September 1917, he was killed in action in Belgium. His Will bequeathed real estate to brothers George Henry and Charles William and personal effects to his sister Miss TE Ahlers.
SERVICE NO
3261
