FAMILY LIFE

Alexander Macgregor was born in Coolangatta c1891, son of Alexander & Margaret (May) Macgregor. His parents are buried in Murwillumbah General Cemetery.

ATTESTATION

He was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 23^RD July 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Alexander, of Tyalgum

His medical, done at Fraser’s Hill, showed he was 24years 2months old, 5ft 6inches tall (1.68m), weighed 161 lbs (55kgs), with a fresh complexion, grey eyes & brown hair.  His eyesight was good

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Alexander “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Alexander Macgregor, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

Alexander was Presbyterian and had a scar on his left hand.  He was enlisted as a private into the 47 Infantry Battalion with service No 1728

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.

DISCIPLINED OCTOBER 1915

During his time in camp, at 6.30am on 24th October Alexander was absent without leave. There is no record of the return date but he was awarded 14 days confined to barracks and forfeited 18 day’s pay so it must have been quite a long time. This disciplinary measure meant he was restricted to the camp grounds and not permitted to leave the barracks area during that period. It served both as a punishment and a reminder of military discipline.

During those 14 days, Alexander would have been required to remain within the camp’s living quarters, attending all formations, drills, and duties but barred from any leave or recreational activities outside the camp. His daily routine would still involve physical training, weapon drills, and camp chores such as cleaning, maintenance, and possibly extra fatigue duties as part of the penalty.

Meals would be taken in the mess halls, and Alexander would have been expected to maintain a strict military routine—rising early, adhering to lights out times, and attending parade and instruction sessions. Interaction with fellow soldiers was permitted but limited to the camp confines, cutting off the usual respite that leave or visits outside camp might provide.

This form of confinement was intended to reinforce discipline and order, helping soldiers like Alexander understand the importance of following military rules while still allowing them to continue training and preparing for active service.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS DECEMBER 1915-JANUARY 1916

In late December 1915, the recruits left Australia, sailing upon the HMAT Demosthenes.  Alongside his comrades, he marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown. What a thrill it was, to sail out of Sydney Harbour- a convoy of ships travelling towards a different life.

The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

Sleeping & Living Arrangements

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

Daily Routine

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

Meals

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

Health & Sanitation

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

The Voyage Experience

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. In an attempt to keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt, the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships.

APPROACHING EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. For most, it was their first sight of a foreign country, and the reality of leaving home truly sank in. Arthur would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the sandy training grounds of Egypt, preparing for what lay ahead.

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP JANUARY 1916

Alexander disembarked at Alexandria on the 31st of January, 1916, stepping ashore into the bustling port city that served as a crucial gateway for Australian troops entering the Egyptian theatre. The sun was already warm despite the winter month, a sharp contrast to the cooler Australian climate he had left behind weeks earlier. Alexandria, with its busy docks, palm-lined streets, and vibrant crowds, was both a relief and a new challenge for the fresh soldiers.

Shortly after landing, Alexander was transported by train and motor vehicles to the 8th Training Brigade camp at Zeitoun, situated on the outskirts of Cairo. Zeitoun Camp was a sprawling, purpose-built military training facility established to receive, house, and prepare reinforcements before they were sent to the front lines. The journey itself would have offered Alexander a glimpse of Egypt’s unique landscapes — from the bustling urban sprawl of Cairo to the arid desert plains stretching beyond.

Upon arrival at Zeitoun, Alexander joined thousands of other Australian soldiers in tents and huts arranged in neat rows across the campgrounds. The atmosphere was one of both camaraderie and discipline. The camp was abuzz with the sounds of marching feet, commands being called, and the clatter of equipment being prepared for inspection. For many men, Zeitoun marked the first time in Egypt — a place where their transformation from civilians to hardened soldiers truly began.

The initial days at the 8th Training Brigade were focused on acclimatisation and basic training. Soldiers undertook physical conditioning to build stamina under the hot sun, practising drills, rifle handling, and bayonet work. The instructors emphasised discipline and teamwork, essential for the harsh conditions and fierce fighting that lay ahead. Medical inspections ensured that all men were fit for service, while quartermasters issued uniforms, equipment, and rations.

Over many tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began an intensive period of training in preparation for deployment to the front. These camps were shared by other Australian and New Zealand forces, creating a large and active training environment.

Daily life followed a strict military routine. Reveille was sounded around 5:30 am, followed by physical training, which included route marches and endurance work in the desert conditions. After breakfast, the men began structured morning sessions focusing on drill, bayonet practice, and rifle handling. Training resumed after lunch, often with practical field exercises such as digging trenches, constructing defences, and simulating attacks on mock enemy positions. The day ended with roll call, personal time, and lights out around 9:00 pm.

The training itself covered a wide range of military skills. Soldiers learned close-order drill, musketry (rifle shooting), bayonet fighting, and basic tactics. Musketry was particularly important: the men practised with their Lee-Enfield rifles on firing ranges, learning how to load, aim, fire rapidly, and judge distances accurately. Bayonet training was also emphasized, with troops practising thrusts, parries, and charges on straw-filled dummies to build aggression and confidence.

Physical fitness was a high priority. Route marches of 10 to 15 kilometres in full kit were a regular part of the schedule to build stamina and discipline. Troops also received instruction in field engineering—learning how to dig trenches, build parapets and revetments, and position barbed wire obstacles effectively.

Other important areas of training included basic first aid, battlefield communication (such as flag and lamp signalling), and map reading.

Sanitation and hygiene were stressed throughout the training period. Soldiers were taught how to prevent disease by maintaining clean clothing and equipment, constructing latrines, and purifying drinking water. This was crucial in the Egyptian climate, where illness could spread rapidly.

Although the training was demanding, there were occasional opportunities for leave. Many soldiers visited the bazaars, cafés, and sights of Cairo, or made trips to the pyramids near Mena. Morale was generally high, though the men understood active service was approaching.

Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause.

Life at Zeitoun was structured but not without its moments of respite. Evenings might find men gathered in small groups, writing letters home or sharing stories, while organized entertainment such as concerts or sporting matches helped maintain morale. The camp also served as a reminder of the wider war effort, with frequent briefings and updates from the front, underscoring the serious nature of their mission.

For Alexander, this period at Zeitoun was pivotal — a time to forge bonds with fellow soldiers, develop new skills, and steel himself mentally and physically for the battles to come. After weeks or months of rigorous training, the men of the 8th Brigade would be ready to join their units on the front, bringing with them the discipline, endurance, and spirit nurtured in this Egyptian desert camp.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 47TH BATTALION MARCH 1916

On 9th March 1916, Alexander was officially taken on strength with the 47th Battalion, marking his transition from training to active unit service. The 47th Battalion, newly formed as part of the Australian Imperial Force’s expansion, was stationed in Egypt, undergoing final preparations before deployment to the European battlefields.

During these months in Egypt, the battalion was primarily based at camps near Alexandria and the desert training areas surrounding Cairo. Life was a balance of rigorous training and routine camp duties. The men practised advanced infantry drills, bayonet exercises, and musketry, honing the skills needed for trench warfare. Physical conditioning remained a key focus, with long route marches across the arid terrain building endurance and resilience to cope with the harsh conditions at the front.

In addition to training, the battalion carried out defensive work around their camp areas. Soldiers constructed and maintained fortifications, trenches, and wire entanglements, simulating the battlefield environment they were soon to face. These exercises helped build cohesion among the men, fostering teamwork and discipline essential for combat.

Beyond the physical training, the battalion also engaged in camp life routines — maintaining equipment, attending briefings, and undergoing medical inspections. Time was made for drills in signalling and map reading, preparing soldiers for the demands of coordinated operations. The presence of experienced officers and NCOs, many veterans of earlier campaigns, provided valuable instruction and leadership.

The months in Egypt also offered moments of respite and cultural exposure. Soldiers could explore the bustling cities of Alexandria and Cairo during leave, encountering the rich history and vibrant life of this ancient land. Sporting competitions, concerts, and social events were organised within the camps to boost morale and camaraderie.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE JUNE 1916

On 2nd June 1916, after these months of preparation and anticipation, the 47th Battalion embarked the Caledonia from Alexandria, bound for the Western Front. Their arrival in Marseilles on 9th June marked the beginning of a new and challenging chapter in Alexander’s military service, as the battalion moved toward the grim realities of war in France.

The soldiers now found themselves fighting the Germans in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

HOSPITALISATION JAUNDICE/ ENTERIC FEVER OCTOBER 1916

On 3rd October 1916, Alexander was admitted to the 12th Australian Field Ambulance exhibiting jaundice, a condition indicating liver involvement and often associated with serious infections common in the trenches. That same day, he was transferred to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment.

By 6th October, Alexander had been moved to the 14th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne, where he was diagnosed with enteric fever—also known as typhoid fever—a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. This disease was prevalent among soldiers due to contaminated water and unsanitary conditions, causing prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and weakness.

EVACUATION TO ENGLAND SPIROCHAETOSIS OCTOBER 1916

Due to the severity of his condition, Alexander was evacuated to England aboard the hospital ship St Andrew on 29th October. Upon arrival, he was admitted to Connaught Hospital in Aldershot. There, medical staff noted symptoms consistent with spirochaetosis, a term used during the war to describe infections caused by spirochete bacteria. This diagnosis suggested either a co-infection or a broader bacterial illness complicating his recovery.

Treatment for both enteric fever and spirochaetosis during this period was limited to supportive care, focusing on rest, proper nutrition, hydration, and maintaining hygiene to prevent spread. Without antibiotics, recovery was often slow and required extended convalescence.

Alexander’s illness underscored the hidden dangers of war, where infectious diseases posed as great a threat to soldiers as the battlefield itself.

CONVASLESCENCE PERHAM DOWN JANUARY 1917

After being granted leave from 12th to 27th January 1917, Alexander was ordered to report to No. 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs. This depot served as a rehabilitation and training centre where soldiers returning from leave or recovering from wounds refreshed their skills before rejoining their units.

REJOINED UNIT FEBRUARY 1917

On 7th February 1917, Alexander embarked on the troopship Invicta to return to France. After disembarking, he marched out to rejoin the 47th Battalion on 17th February.

SERVICE NUMBER CHANGED

Around this time, on 12th February, his service number was changed to 1728B as part of routine administrative updates.

47^TH BATTALION FEBRUARY – OCTOBER 1917

The 47th Battalion was then engaged in holding and raiding duties along the Western Front in preparation for the major Allied offensives planned for later in the year. They spent these months conducting trench raids, patrols, and working to improve defensive positions while enduring the harsh conditions of winter and early spring.

PASSENDAELE CAMPAIGN, BELGIUM

In the latter half of 1917, the 47th Battalion found itself entrenched in the brutal and muddy battlefields of Flanders, Belgium. The unit was a key part of the Passchendaele Campaign, one of the war’s most gruelling and costly offensives, aimed at breaking through the German lines and capturing strategic high ground.

THE BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD SEPTEMBER- SEPTEMBER 1917

The Battle of Polygon Wood, fought from 26th September to 3rd October 1917, was a major phase of this campaign. The 47th Battalion took part in intense combat to seize and hold the heavily fortified woodland area known as Polygon Wood, named for its distinctive shape on maps. The battalion faced relentless artillery barrages, machine-gun fire, and the treacherous terrain transformed by rain into a quagmire of mud and flooded trenches.

Leading up to the battle, the battalion conducted reconnaissance patrols and raiding parties to gather intelligence and weaken enemy defences. These operations were crucial in preparing for the main assault.

PROMOTED TO LANCE CORPORAL SEPTEMBER 1917

On 20th September, the same day Alexander was promoted to Lance Corporal, the battalion was preparing meticulously for the coming offensive.

During the battle, the 47th Battalion advanced under heavy fire, capturing key enemy positions and repelling counterattacks. The fighting was fierce and costly, with many casualties sustained. Soldiers endured not only the enemy’s weapons but also the horrors of the environment—deep mud, waterlogged trenches, and the ever-present threat of gas attacks.

KILLED IN ACTION 29^TH SEPTEMBER 1917

Alexander’s death on 29th September came amid this chaos. His leadership as a Lance Corporal would have been vital in maintaining morale and order during the savage fighting. The battalion’s actions contributed to the eventual capture of Polygon Wood, a hard-fought victory that paved the way for further advances in the campaign.

Despite the victory, the human cost was immense, and the conditions endured by soldiers like Alexander remain emblematic of the sacrifices made during the First World War.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Alexander was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour  in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Number 144 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

His personal effects, consisting of 3 discs, coins, key, religious medallion, letters, photos, cards & 2 note books were sent to his mother on 16^th May 1918. His memorial scroll was received by his father on 1^st December 1921, his memorial plaque on 6^th October 1922

His will stated he left 2pounds to Sgt L Ward of E Coy, also of Charleville and 1 pound to Sgt Scales of Kent, England. The remainder was left to his mother.

He is buried at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 27 g

---

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.

We do not have any additional documents or pictures related to this individual.