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Alfred Ernest Dunn - Information

Alfred Ernest Dunn was born in Campbelltown c1872. He eventually settled down Auburn with his wife, Florence, and worked as a carpenter and miner. On the 29th of August 1916, Alfred enlisted in Granville at the age of 44. He was then posted to A Company Depot Battalion at Bathurst. He was then assigned to the 53rd and later the 7th Reinforcements, 54th Battalion.

Alfred left Sydney with the 54th Battalion on the 25th of October 1916 aboard the HMAT Ascanius. His unit arrived at Devonport in late December, where he was trained into the new year. He was then shipped to France via Folkestone in February 1917. In early June, Alfred joined the 54th Battalion and served on the Western Front. Alfred fought in the Third Battle of Ypres in Belgium. After a bitter wet winter, the 54th Battalion were rushed into action during the onslaught of a German offensive. They helped to curb the attack north of Villers-Bretonneux. However, Alfred'€™s performance was hindered by his age and physical condition. On the 9th of June 1918, he was brought before a medical board at the Australian Infantry Base Depot. It was discovered that Alfred had been suffering from the effects of rheumatism since 1898. He had pain and weakness in his chest and back while marching and carrying his pack. As a result, he fell behind often, and his pack had to be carried by other soldiers. After his examination, Alfred was stationed to No. 2 Command Depot in Weymouth, England. He was sent home to Australia on the 24th of August 1918 for premature senility aggravated by war service.