Arthur Caldwell Nugent

Arthur Caldwell Nugent was born on 1 January 1896 at Cudgewa, Victoria, to James and Sophia, nee Hamilton. Arthur would have five brothers and three sisters. All of Arthur’s brothers, except Elliot, would enlist during World War 1. Two of them, Percy and George, would not return home.

At the time of enlisting at Tallangatta on 26 April 1916, Arthur was a single, 21-year-old blacksmith from Berringama, Victoria. He was given the Regimental Number 1964 and put on strength with the 12th Reinforcements for the 13th Light Horse. 

His enlistment details describe him as 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm) and weighing 154 lbs (70 kg). His complexion was given as dark, eyes brown and hair black. Arthur’s religious denomination was given as Church of England.

Arthur embarked on HMAT A30 Borda on 20 October, 1916, sailing from Melbourne, Victoria. He would eventually disembark at Plymouth in England on 9 January 1917. The 13th Light Horse had become the Divisional Cavalry, and it was here that he was transferred to on 9 April, 1917. It would be another three months before Arthur would set foot in France, as he was admitted to the Bulford Hospital with scabies.

His skills as a blacksmith were clearly noted as he was transferred to the Australian Army Veterinary Corps in Calais, France, and, on 4 September 1917, promoted to Shoeing Sergeant. One more transfer in May of 1918 would see him moved to the 1st Mobile Veterinary Section.

The August 1918 War Diary for the 1st Mobile Veterinary Section provides a snapshot of their work. 

Cases remaining from July            5

Admitted since -                         206

Total -                                         211

Returned cured to units -             19

Evacuated sick -                        169

Died -                                            2

Destroyed -                                  6

Remaining -                               15

On 6 July 1919, Arthur embarked on the Boorata, returning to Australia some weeks later. He was finally discharged from the AIF on 10 October 1919. For his service during the war, he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Upon returning home, Arthur decided not to attend the Welcome Home at Berrigama Hall on 27 August 1919, but just wanted to spend the evening with his family at home.

Records indicate that Arthur married Edith Nellie Jeffecott on 24 February, 1925, in Albury, NSW. The couple lived in the Corryong District until the early 1950s, when they moved to Wodonga and lived at 204 High Street.

It is not known whether they had any children. Arthur passed away on 29 September, 1972, at Wodonga, Victoria and was buried there.