Alfred Henry Meurant

According to his Service Records, Alfred Henry Meurant was born on September 20, 1885, in Cootamundra, NSW, to Albert Henry Meurant and Elvira Rosetta, nee Pike. The June 14, 1900, edition of the Corryong Courier supplies some information about the Meurant family on the occasion of Alfred’s sister Amelia’s wedding. “The bride is a member of one of the best known and most highly respected families in the north-eastern district, being the second daughter of Mr. A Meurant, what has been aptly termed “the Mayor of Thougla”.” Alfred’s father, Albert, would pass away in Corryong on January 5, 1901. His mother would also pass away in Corryong in 1914.

On April 3, 1918, he enlisted at Temora, NSW. At the time, he was a single, 32-year-old labourer living at Junee, NSW. He was allocated Regimental Number 50998 and placed in the New South Wales 1st Reinforcement. Alfred named his sister, Emma, as his next of kin.

After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A8 Osterley at Sydney, NSW, on May 8, 1918 and disembarked in Liverpool, England, on July 10 of that year. The following day, he was allotted to the 19th Battalion. Twelve days later, another transfer, this time to the 12th Field Artillery Brigade. He departed Southampton for France on October 17. Ten days after arriving in France, he was transferred to the 45th Battery of the 12th FAB.

Alfred was transferred back to England in May 1919. On August 8, 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HT Raranga with the rank of Gunner. He was discharged on November 22, 1919, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

He passed away on May 10, 1947, at Warragul, Victoria and was buried in Warragul Cemetery.