Summary

Alternative Name(s): Soldier's Pay Book

Page from a soldier's pay book for Aubrey Lionel B. Hampton of the 2nd Field Company Engineers (Victoria), stamped 'PORT LYTTLETON' and dated 25 December 1918.

The HT Port Lyttleton returned to Australia at the end of 1918 carrying returning World War I soldiers - and the dreaded Spanish flu. The ship arrived in Western Australia on 13 December 1918, and it was reported that there had been 'about a dozen cases of pneumonic-influenza on board', one of whom had died at sea. The ship was quarantined in Western Australia, but the day after it dropped anchor about 80 men made a daring dash from the ship to the mainland, only to be captured as their 'leaky' boats were taking on water. The men were placed in Woodman's Point quarantine station, Fremantle. The Port Lyttleton was released and sailed for Melbourne, arriving on 25 December (the date of this pay book) where it was again quarantined. The arrival of other ships carrying influenza patients in WA in December further contributed to the spread of Spanish flu.

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, off-white in colour, with the text printed in black on the front and reverse. The front contains the personal details of the soldier, handwritten in black ink, with the pay details on the reverse. The paper has been folded in half.

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