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Albert Butler Coggins - Information

The Coggins had long ties to the area, Albert’s grandfather James Coggins, settled in Bringelly in the 1840s. Albert’s father, George William, was born in Bringelly in 1861. He grew up locally before marrying Elizabeth Cooper. George and Elizabeth were then blessed with many children, including Albert who was born in Bringelly on the 5th of March 1894. Albert’s father then relocated to Queensland after Elizabeth passed away in 1906. Albert remained in Bringelly, where he worked as a blacksmith. He also established roots to the area serving for 2½ years in the NSW Lancers. As the war dragged on, Albert decided to enlist in the AIF, joining up on the 18th of February 1918 in Granville, just before his 24th birthday. Albert began his training as a recruit at the Royal Showground Camp in Sydney. However, whilst on leave, he contracted venereal disease and was sent to Milson Island. By late July, he had recovered and was taken to the M & D Depot in Liverpool. By August, he was assigned to the 19th General Service Reinforcements as a Private. He then boarded the HMAT Bakara in Sydney Harbour on the 4th of September 1918 for war service. Whilst he was at sea, the Armistice was announced. Albert sailed into England, and was marched out to the 5th Training Battalion on the 14th of November amidst cheering crowds. He was allotted to the 4th Battalion, but was moved to the Australian Base Reception Camp in March 1919. He remained here, until he was sent back to Australia on the 5th of January 1920. He was discharged in March, and returned to Bringelly.