The AIF Project

Albert Victor BRETHERTON

Regimental number2139
Place of birthPendleton, Manchester, Lancashire, England
SchoolNational School, Pendleton, Manchester, Lancashire, England
Age on arrival in Australia21
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBarman
Address5 Leichhardt Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinBrother, Mr William Bretherton, 72 Romnay Street, Middleton Road, Pendleton, Manchester, England
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date28 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll15 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name53rd Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/70/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A44 Vestalia on 11 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll19th Battalion
FateDied of wounds 9 October 1918
Place of death or woundingBeaurevoir Line, near St Quentin, France
Age at death30
Age at death from cemetery records30
Place of burialSt. Sever Cemetery Extension (Block S, Plot II, Row N, Grave No. 20), Rouen, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
88
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: William and Lucy BRETHERTON. Native of Pendleton, Manchester, England
Medals

Military Medal

'During the attack on the BEAUREVOIR line, North of ST. QUENTIN, on 3rd October, 1918, this runner displayed splendid courage and initiative in locating and guiding Tanks into position. Owing to mishap the Tanks were not on time but after searching continually in the dark for five hours during which period he was subjected to heavy enemy shell fire and was slightly wounded, he succeeded in locating two of the Tanks and successfully guided them into position ready for the attack. The bravery and resource shown by this man was of the highest standard and of utmost value, he being personally responsible for the arrival of the Tanks for the attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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