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Victor Aikman Florance - Information

Victor was born in Picton c1888. When the war began, he was living in Cootamundra with his family including his father, Dr. Ehbert Florance. Here, Victor worked as a solicitor, and had served 6 months in the Australian Field Artillery. At the age of 27, he joined the colours in Cootamundra on the 16th of August 1915. Victor joined the Light Horse and was posted to the 15th Reinforcements, 7th Regiment as a Trooper. He then embarked Sydney on the HMAT Orsova, leaving for war on the 11th of March 1916.

The Orsova sailed into Egypt in April. The following month, he was transferred to the Machine Gun Section. In early June, he was transported to the Western Front. After some time in the frontlines, he developed an infection in his fingers and hand. On the 28th of August, he reported to Camiers sick. Two weeks later, he was evacuated to England and was subsequently granted a furlough. In May 1917, he reported to Machine Gun Details in Grantham. By late September, he was awarded a Commission with a Machine Gun Company, appointed 2nd Lieutenant. On the 9th of October, he was shipped back to France, to join the 13th Machine Gun Company. A month later, he was detached to the 1st ANZAC Corps School. Here, he received poor marks. When he returned to his unit, he was being reprimanded by other officers for his poor conduct and inefficiency to lead, although he claimed it was a conflict of personalities. No disciplinary action was taken, but nonetheless, he was sent back to Australia on the 20th of June 1918 for inefficiency of command.