Altree: William
Born in Wigan, Lancashire, England in June 1896, William was the son of Albert and Clarissa Altree. He emigrated to South Australia with family members in 1912.
Altree enlisted in the 10th Battalion as a re-inforcement on 9th December 1914 at Oaklands / Morphettville, South Australia at 18 years of age. His enlistment papers indicate that he was 5’6” (168cm) tall, weighed 133lbs (about 60kg), had fair hair and grey eyes, and worked as a labourer.
Having departed from Melbourne for overseas service as Private (Pte) 1452 aboard the H.M.A.T. Runic on 19th February 1915, Altree arrived in Suez, Egypt a month later. In the May he was sent to join the 10th Battalion at Gallipoli. He was killed in action on 29th of the month and before his 19th birthday.
Altree’s mother, Clara, received a pension of 20/- per week from 12th October 1916.
William Altree is buried in the Shrapnel Gully Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey. His name appears on the list of the fallen on the Coromandel Valley War Memorial. Although listed as a member of the Congregationalist Church when enlisting, Altree’s name is included on the Coromandel Valley Baptist Church’s Roll of Honour.
Research by Geoff Lock, 2015
