Summary

Digital image (from original print) of World War I sapper Alfred George Finlay Galbraith. It may have been taken before MM 113634, as his uniform is missing the badges on his collar visible in the latter image. It has been preserved by his family.

Born in Maryborough, Sapper Alfred George Finlay Galbraith was the son of Alfred and Amy C. Galbraith, of W.R. Institute, Flinders Street, Station Buildings, Melbourne. He trained as an electrical engineer and enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 20, in July 1915. His father gave written permission for him to join 'the Military Forces to serve the Empire abroad' (his mother had already died). Galbraith served in the 5th Division Signalling Company, Australian Engineers, AIF, embarking from Melbourne on 23 November 1915. He went to Egypt for further training, then was shipped to France, disembarking 27 June 1916 at Marseilles. Less than three weeks later, on 15 July, he received a wound in the thigh and a 'penetrating wound in the neck'. He died the same day at the 8th Australian Field Ambulance.

Alfred's distraught father, who blamed himself for allowing his son to go to war, forbade mention of Alfred, and for years could not bear to see a photograph of him.

Description of Content

Photograph of head and shoulders of man wearing uniform comprising peaked cap and tunic. He has no badges on his collar, but a badge is visible on his cap.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph, oval-shaped, printed on cream cardboard backing, partly torn at bottom (torn section missing). Backing has printed gold trim around edge.

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