David Andrew Allison
From Our Contribution
 Australian War Memorial PO9184.001 | |
 King's Park Memorial walk, May drive | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3 Dec 1872 |
| Place of Birth | Murphy's Creek, Toowoomba, Queensland |
| Death | 16 Dec 1917 |
| Place of Death | Royal Hospital, Weymouth, England |
| Age at Enlistment | 43 years, 11 months |
| Description |
6'2¼" (1.89m) tall ; 182lbs 82.554 kg ; dark complexion ; brown eyes ; black hair |
| Occupation | Teamster |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | State Mill No. 1, Manjimup, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs. Elizabeth Rachael Allison |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 7205 |
| Date of Enlistment | 14 Nov 1916 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 11th Battalion, 24th Reinforcement |
| Date of Embarkation | 29 Jan 1917 ‒ 27 Mar 1917 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A28 Miltiades |
| Fate | Died from pleurisy and pericarditis |
| Monument |
Jarrahdale Honour Roll ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) Australian War Memorial |
| Medals | British War Medal |
Contents
Pre War
Three children at time of enlistment. Daughter Lila Ethel Allison born 14 Oct 1915. Married name Edmondson, died 24 Jan 2003 in Floreat, aged 87. David had served in the WA Police force for 8 years, resigning in August 1909 following an accident when he broke his leg, leaving one leg 30 mm shorter than the other.
War Service
Original enlistment occurred on 8 Sep 1915, when he was in training to join the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. However, he was discharged at his own request on 14 Oct 1915 due to the birth of his daughter.
David enlisted a second time on 1 Nov 1916 and was soon after allocated to the 24th reinforcement draft for the 11th Battalion, travelling with them to England aboard HMAT A28 Miltiades, disembarking on 27 Mar 1917. While at Blackboy Hill camp, David had his only brush with military discipline, being fined 10/- (ten shillings) for refusing duty when ordered. On arrival in England David was sent to the 3rd Training Battalion at Durrington to prepare for service on the Western Front.
Transferred to the 17th Field Ambulance from 3 Jul 1917 until 8 Jul 1917 before being returned to the 11th Battalion, albeit care of the 3rd Training Battalion. During November 1917 he spent some time with the 2nd Training Battalion at Sutton Veny. However, at no point did he embark for France or join the 11th Battalion in the field. On 23 Nov 1917 he was transferred to Weymouth before being admitted on 14 Dec 1917 to the Royal Hospital at Weymouth where he died on 16 Dec 1917.
David is buried in the Melcombe Regis Cemetery in Weymouth, England, Plot II, Row C, Grave No. 3111. Elizabeth received a widow's pension of 40/- fortnightly from 20 Feb 1918. Their son Leslie Irvine received a pension of 20/- per fortnight; son Robert Arthur a pension of 15/- fortnightly; and daughter Lila Ethel one of 10/- per fortnight.
Notes
David's wife Elizabeth Rachael (nee Waterhouse) died on 18 Sep 1967 in Subiaco, aged 88.