2656 Private WALLACE “Alec” Alexander Brown

39th Australian Infantry Battalion 

Alec, a farm hand, was born in Melbourne, the son of Alexander and Amy Elizabeth Wallace. He was a member of Young Cadets while in High School. 

Alec originally signed up for service in Cootamundra on 4 March 1916 but was referred for dental treatment before enlistment on 24 July 1916 at the age of 25 years 11 months. His next of kin was his Father, Alexander, of 224 St John’s Road, Forrest Lodge. His Brother was 2669 Private WALLACE William Israel Herbert who returned to Australia 4 July 1919. 

Alec left Sydney aboard HMAT A24 Benalla, in convoy, on 9 November 1916 arriving in Devonport, 9 January 1917. Marching into 10th Training Battalion, Durrington, on 14 January. On 15 March he left England from Folkestone, joining the 39th in Etables, Northern France on 30 March 1917. 

Alec was wounded in action, gassed, on 7 June 1917 and was admitted to West Lanc Field Ambulance, rejoining his Unit in Rouelles on 31 August 1917. 

Alec was killed 4 October 1917 during the Battle of Broodseinde, Belgium. His death was confirmed by his Brother, William, who was in a nearby foxhole and saw Alec’ foxhole take a direct hit. Alec was buried in Ration Farm Military Cemetery as one of the unknown soldiers until 1920 when he was identified by his canteen and had his headstone ‘replaced’ at the Tyne Cot. 

Alec’ Father was formally advised on 10 June 1921 that he had been moved to 5 ½ miles east southeast of Ypres, Belgium. The Australian War Memorial records Alec’s final resting place as plot XXIV, Row C, Grave 20, Tyne Cot British Cemetery Passchendaele, Flanders, Belgium.