Pyramul, Mudgee, NSW
4908
13th Battalion, 15th reinforcements
Gilgandra Coo-ee
Returned to Australia January 1918
Private Alfred Wardrop 4908
Alfred was a 28 year old labourer of Pyramul, Mudgee, NSW when he enlisted on October 9, 1915 in Gilgandra. The medical examination by Dr Peet describes him as 5’9” tall, 11 stone (74kgs), with fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair with no scars or marks.
He marched with the Coo-ees to Sydney where he trained at Liverpool before embarking in Sydney on the ‘Star of England’ in March 8, 1916. Alfred was transferred to the 45th Battalion and arrived in France in June 1916 to face his first experience of battle at Pozieres. In August he suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. He was sent to England for treatment and convalescence at Perham Downs. The unit was in Dernancourt France when he rejoined them in December 1916.
At Guedecourt in February 1916, Alfred suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and ankle while in action. The unit diary describes the action on that day. ‘Artillery was active on both sides. Our snipers were also very busy. NO MANS LAND actively patrolled. Still holding the line.’ There were 12 men killed and 16 men wounded that day. Alfred was sent to England where his leg was amputated in March 1917. In January 1918 he returned to Australia and was discharged on September 6, 1918.
He received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal and is commemorated on the Coo-ee Gateway Memorial.
He died at Mudgee in 1935 aged 48 and is buried in the Pyramul cemetery. He never married.