The AIF Project

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Joined Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 25 September 1915.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 8 May 1915; disembarked Marseilles, France, 15 May 1916.

Tried by General Court Martial, Sailly-sur-la-Lys, 3 June 1916, on charge of (1) stealing goods to the value of £18/4/0; (2) receiving stolen goods; found 'Guilty'; sentenced to be cashiered.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Bakara', 27 July 1916; disembarked Sydney, 21 September 1916, and appointment terminated.

Medals: all medals forfeited.

Whitlam protested his innocence and mounted a 28-year campaign to have his name cleared. In 1926, when new evidence showed that the articles allegedly stolen by Whitlam had in fact been packed in Whitlam's trunk by his batman without Whitlam's knowledge, he was offered a pardon on the condition that he ceased to assert his innocence. He refused, and continued his campaign. In 1944 a panel of eminent King's Counsels rejected the findings of the General Court Martial.

Following a recommendation from the Commander-in-Chief, the Governor-General in Council quashed the conviction. The following notice was published in the 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 149 (27 July 1944):

'His Excellency the Governor-General in Council has approved of the conviction of Lieutenant A.G. Whitlam, 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, Australian Imperial Force, by General Court Martial at Sailly-sur-la-Lys, France, dated 3rd June, 1916, being quashed and the accused is relieved of all the consequences of his conviction. (Ex. Min. No. 104, Approved 19th July, 1944) J.M. FRASER, Acting Minister for the Army.