More about Albert Edward Eccles

Albert was in the Australian Merchant Service befor enlisting in November 1914. He landed with the 1st Australian Contingent at Gallipoli, where he was severely wounded. After undergoing treatment in Cairo he was invalided back to Australia, and was offered his discharge , which he refused. On recovery he returned overseas, and was promoted Sergeant, and acted as machine gun instructor at Grantham. He went to France in March 1917 and was killed in action at Zonnebeke on 5th October. His Captain wrote:- “In losing Sgt Eccles, the company lost at that time its best N.C.O., a fine soldier and a man. Had he lived I should have recommended him for a decoration, and for promotion to Company Sergeant Major.” (Arbroath Roll of Honour, page 144).

For reasons unknown Albert is not listed on the original Dundee Roll Of Honour. For more information on Albert visit Albert’s Service Record.

Albert Edward Eccles   461   Australian Machine Gun Corps

Mrs Jas. Suttie, Union Street, Broughty Ferry, has been informed that her youngest brother, Sergt. Albert E. Eccles, M.G.C., Australians, was killed in action on 5th inst.  He was 26 years of age, and after a spell at sea enlisted in Australia.  He was severely wounded at Gallipoli.  Sergeant Eccles was a son of the late Edward Eccles gardener, Broughty Ferry.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 23rd October 1917

ANZAC WHO FOUGHT AT GALLIPOLI FALLS.

Mrs T. Will, Victoria Street, has received information of the death of her nephew, Sergeant Albert Edward Eccles, of the Machine Gun Corps, Australian Imperial Forces, which took place on 5th October.  Deceased was 26 years of age, and while employed as an apprentice at Dens Iron Works, nine years ago he left his native town for Australia.  At the outbreak of war, he offered his services for the mother country, and was one of the brave Anzacs who set foot on Gallipoli.  He was wounded there, and was in hospital in England, being afterwards appointed as a machine gun instructor.  He was then sent to France, and was engaged in action there for six months.  He was a very popular soldier, and a great favourite with both officers and men.

Arbroath Herald 26th October 1917