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. In Howard Jones’ book March of the Veterans – the proud story of the City of Albury RSL Sub-Branch he lists 128 Albury men who lost their life due to action in World War I and in World War II 87 men and one woman. Honour rolls for both conflicts can be accessed by clicking on the links:
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.
