ALBURY GOES TO WAR
Albury men and women have a proud record of service in overseas conflicts beginning with the Boer War in South Africa (1899-1902), then both World Wars, through to more recent conflicts.
The Royal Australian Artillery was formed in 1899 and they embarked for South Africa at the end of the year. There were 78 Albury men who volunteered for service in South Africa. Just one of Albury’s 78 was killed in action, Gunner Bernard Gowing. He was the first Albury soldier to be killed on overseas military service. A volunteer, Gowing was critically wounded on November 29, 1900 and died the following day.
The Albury Banner of December 7, 1900 reported:
“We regret to notice in the list of casualties at Vryburg on 29th ult. the name of B Gowing … The deceased was well known in Albury, having worked here at his trade of blacksmith, and having also been a smart and active member of the Fire Brigade …”
In both World Wars there was a much larger involvement of Albury men and women. Honour rolls for both conflicts can be accessed by clicking on the links:
Albury Honour Roll World War 1
Albury Honour Roll World War 2
Albury & District Historical Society members have written accounts of Albury’s involvement in overseas conflicts. The books below are available for sale at Albury LibraryMuseum. For a complete list, including other titles dealing with the involvement of Albury service personnel, click on the link to download the Book List & Society Papers
Mud, Blood and Tears
Howard Jones honours 100 who lost the lives in conflicts overseas and are commemorated at the Albury War Memorial. Mud, Blood and Tears, 100 Amazing Tales from Albury War Memorial covers four conflicts, the Boer War, World Wars 1 and 2 and the Vietnam War. The book is a collection of biographies, describing life before the conflicts and the circumstances of their death at the frontline or at sea or in the air or as prisoners of war. The book is published by Albury & District Historical Society in recognition of the centenary of the Albury War Memorial commemorated on Anzac Day 2025.
Albury at War
A past president, Doug Hunter OAM, a retired CMF Lieutenant Colonel, wrote Albury at War, 1914-1919. In his Preface to the book, Doug writes:
“This book tells the story of the people of Albury … and the way in which they managed the great enterprise of a war totally beyond their experience, and equally beyond the experience of the nation. When the reality of war came … [it] stiffened their resolve to support their men at the front.”
March of the Veterans
In Howard Jones’ book March of the Veterans – the proud story of the City of Albury RSL Sub-Branch he tells the proud history of the City of Albury sub-branch of the Returned and Services League. After interviewing a number of sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses, Howard began to “understand the enormous grief that was multiplied so many times in Albury when news came of a loved son, brother, husband or sweetheart killed in action.”
YouTube videos
Follow the links below to view videos on our YouTube channel relating to Albury’s involvement in World War One, including the action of the Albury Battery and the naming of Albury’s Noreuil Park.
World War One comes to Albury
A virtual tour of buildings and locations in Albury which have significance to World War One. Characters from the wartime era tell of events and their role in them. Characters include the mayor and mayoress, Red Cross president, concert group performer, clerk-of-courts, schoolboy, battery sergeant major, building contractor, church organist. Letters from the battlefield are shared.
The Battle of Noreuil, 1917
The story of the battle centred around the small French town of Noreuil and the role that the Albury Battery played in repelling the German offensive is described using animations overlaying a map of the region.
Message From Noreuil Mayor, 2015
In 2015 the Mayor of Noreuil, France, Jean-Paul Boussemard, sent a message reminding Albury people that the brave actions of the Albury Battery played a pivotal role in repelling an advance by German forces. He points out that the people of Noreuil still recognise Anzac Day and the role of Albury soldiers in saving their town.
Message From Albury’s Mayor, 2015
In response to Jean-Paul Boussemard, Mayor of Noreuil France, Albury Mayor, Kevin Mack talks about the legacy of Albury servicemen fighting in World War 1 using Noreuil Park and the War Memorial monument as examples.
Aftermath
A video produced by Murray Arts in 2018. It deals with the impact of World War I both during hostilities and after peace was achieved in 1918. The film has an emphasis on families from Albury and district.
