Albert George Gardiner

Private Albert Gardiner

53rd Battalion, AIF

Service Number: 2531

Born: 26 October 1896, Penrith, NSW

Died: 10 April 1917, Rouen, France

Albert George Gardiner was born on 26 October 1896, the fourth child of John and Martha Hannah (nee Turner) Gardiner. He was educated at the State Public School, Baulkham Hills. Albert served in the Senior Cadets. At the outbreak of the war, Albert was living with his father on a farm at Dora Creek near Lake Macquarie. On enlistment he stated he was working as a fisherman. Albert’s brother, John William Gardiner, also served during the war and was killed on 22 August 1916 in France.

Albert enlisted in February 1916 and was allocated to the 53rd Battalion. He sailed for the war zone aboard HMAT Mashobra on 14 September 1916 and arrived in Plymouth on 2 November. After a period of training in England he was sent to France, joining his battalion in the Somme Valley. In March 1917, the 53rd Battalion participated in the Allied advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. On 14 March 1917, Gardiner was admitted to hospital with severe gunshot wounds to the back. After an initial period where his condition improved, he worsened and died on 10 April 1917 at St Sever.

Gardiner was described in the Nepean Times as a robust and vigorous type of young Australian. The Nepean Times reported on 28 April 1917 ‘It has been the painful experience of some families in Penrith to mourn the loss of several members through the sombre agency of the world war; and we regret to say that the Gardiner family, living in Union Lane, Penrith, are amongst those so cruelly chastened and bereaved. The sad news of the death of Private Albert George Gardiner, who succumbed from wounds received about three weeks ago, we understand, was conveyed to his relatives on 23rd April (Monday last). His brother (Private J W Gardiner) met, likewise, the soldier’s heroic death, having fallen in action some seven months ago’.

Memorial Details:

  • St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France
  • Honor Roll, Memory Park, Penrith
  • Honor Roll, Penrith Superior Public School

Sources:

TROVE:

Acknowledgement: Thank you to Pat Curry for providing biographical details on Albert George Gardiner .