Alexander Carrick Cunningham

Alexander Carrick Cunningham was born on 12th July 1889 in Beechworth, Victoria, to Alexander Cunningham and Martha Ann, nee Hubbard. Alexander’s father, Alexander senior, died seven months prior to his birth. The Coroner’s Inquest found that Alexander had died due to an accidental discharge of a pistol. Martha married Peter Cunningham from Cudgewa four years later, in 1893.

Alexander’s younger step-brother, Walter, enlisted in the 1st AIF on the 31st of August, 1914.

On 31st March 1916, he enlisted at Tallangatta, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 26-year-old motor driver from Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 12244 and placed in the 3rd Divisional Supply Column. Alexander gave his next of kin as his mother, Martha Cunningham. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A34 Persic at Melbourne, Victoria, on 3rd June 1916.

During his enlistment period, he also served with the 1st Australian Machine Gun Company and the 1st Mechanical Transport Company.

Alexander’s award for the Meritorious Service Medal was announced on the 3rd June 1919. There is no description of why Alexander was awarded the MSM. It was awarded not only for gallantry but also for devotion to duty or valuable service in a theatre of war.

On 3rd June 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A42 Boorara, with the rank of Driver. He was discharged on 10th October 1919, being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Alexander married Ellen Mumford Wilcock on 5th June 1926 in Essendon, Victoria.  The couple settled in Albury, NSW. He passed away due to lung cancer on 19th March 1956 at Albury, NSW and was buried in North Albury, NSW.