Summary

Letter from a soldier's personal records written by J.C. McPhee, Deputy Commissioner. Almost certainly relates to Aubrey Lionel Bertram Hampton, who served in World War I. He was suffering from the 'accepted disabilities' of Debility, Post Pneumonia and Pleurisy (inflammation of the lung cavity), Pulmonary Fibrosis (connective tissue in the lungs), Pleural Thickening (often a sign of exposure to asbestos) and Spondylitis (inflammation of the vertebra). Aubrey repeatedly suffered from related lung ailments during his World War I service.

Aubrey Lionel Bertram Hampton, a 28-year-old fitter and turner, enlisted on 18 August 1914 (service no.18) and was made a sapper in 2 Fld Coy Engrs (2nd Field Company Engineers). He was shipped overseas on the Orvieto in 20 October 1914 (part of the Albany convoy) and served in Gallipoli and the Western Front, becoming a driver in France. He suffered illnesses such as pneumonia and 'debility', and a minor wound, but seems to have escaped major wounds during the war. In 1916 Aubrey's significant act of bravery at Pozieres let to the award of Military and Distinguished Conduct medals. In July 1917 he married Victoria Alexandria Jane Johnstone of Kensington at Southbourne, Dorset, England. Aubrey returned to Australia in October 1918 on 'special leave', and his Victoria later joined him there. He recovered from the effects of the war and went on to work as a fitter at organisations including H.V. McKay and the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. He and Victoria had three daughters before he passed away at home, aged 50 years.

Physical Description

Slip of paper, faded green in colour, containing a typewritten letter in black ink, with a signature to end.

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