McDonald, Alexander Douglas
SURNAME
McDonald
NAME
Alexander Douglas
PLACE OF BIRTH
Port Douglas
OCCUPATION
Stockman
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT
Charters Towers
DATE OF ENLISTMENT
6/11/1916
NEXT OF KIN
E. H. McDonald (father), cattle property, KIlcoy, Qld
LINK TO DOUGLAS SHIRE
Born Port Douglas
REGIMENT 1
26th Battalion
RANK
Private
CAMPAIGN 1
Western Front
KILLED IN ACTION
Yes 11-10-18 died of wounds, Aisne, France.
OTHER INFORMATION
Victory Medal
STORY OUTLINE
Alexander McDonald was born in Port Douglas, became a stockman and enlisted in November 1916 at Charters Towers.
He departed Australia with the 26th Battalion in February 1917. After a period in England, he proceeded to France in October 1917. He was wounded in action in August 1918 and rejoined the battle on 14 September; wounded again more seriously on 5th October.
He died from his wounds on 6 October 1918.
Medals, personal effects and memorial plaque were provided to Private McDonald's father, a farmer at Kilcoy.
The Army seemed less compassionate when it came to the father's request for a copy of the booklet 'Graves of the Fallen' in 1923.
'With reference to your request for one copy of the booklet "Graves of the Fallen" in respect of your son, the late No 6378 Pte A.D. McDonald, 26th Battalion, I have to advise that the remittance stated to be transmitted was not enclosed. Kindly forward stamps to the value of 6d when the pamphlet will be at once despatched.. ... Yours Faithfully ... Officer in charge Base Records”
(Rules are rules, regardless of the cost of implementing them!)
SERVICE NO
6578
