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Albert William Smart - Information

While the war was raging, Albert was working as an engineering apprentice and living in Campbelltown. He was born in Cobargo near Bega on the 1st of October 1898. His parents, Albert Edward and Mary, moved from Bega to Campbelltown in the early 1900s. Shortly after Albert turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the AIF on the 5th of February 1917. He commenced his training at the Royal Showground Camp, before becoming a Trooper with the Camel Corps at Menangle Park in March. He then departed Melbourne on the 10th of May 1917 onboard the HMAT Boorara bound for Egypt.

Albert landed in Suez in June, and was later taken on strength to the ANZAC Reserve at Moascar Isolation Camp. He was then marched out to the Camel Corps in Abbassia. In August, he was stationed in El Kubri, before completing a communication trade test at Tel-el-Kebir Camp. The Camel Corps conducted patrols and operations alongside other mounted units. More suitable to the arid conditions, Camels could go longer than horses without water. In March 1918, Albert was taken to hospital when he developed a fever. After he was feeling better, he was taken on strength to the 4th Light Horse Regiment in July. However, further illness took him back to hospital in October, where he was still receiving treatment when the war ended. He then continued to serve with his unit until he was sent home from Kantara on the HT Essex in June 1919.

After his discharge, Albert returned to his family whom were now living in Minto. Meeting the love of his life, he married Madeline Shuemaker in Newcastle in 1926. In 1940, Albert re-enlisted in the army during the Second World War. He joined up with his younger brother, Raymond, both returning home to Australia in 1945. Albert was then able to enjoy some time with his family before he passed away on the 26th of September 1979.