East, Augustus Milton

DESCRIPTION

NameEast, Augustus MiltonDate of Birth1893Date of Death1918OccupationFarmerPlace of ResidenceBass PointBiographyAugustus (Gus) Milton East was born in 1893, the second son of Alfred Thomas and Katie East (nee Gardiner) of Shellharbour. He attended Shellharbour Public School and later worked on the family farm at Bass Point.

Gus lived most of his life in Shellharbour. His mother Katie died in 1900 when she was just 39 years old. His father Alfred was an Alderman on Shellharbour Council, from May 1912 until his death in July 1920.

Gus had six siblings, Roy, Marjorie, Gladys, Esma, Frederick and Norman.

In 1916, he joined the 18th Battalion AIF to serve overseas. Gus was given a send-off with a number of other soldiers at the Temperance Hall at Shellharbour, where he was presented with a gold medal, inscribed from the residents of Shellharbour and Dunmore.

Gus spent the evening with two of his sisters and a brother-in-law. They accompanied him back to camp at Sydney Showground, and at 2am, they marched off to the wharf with the troops.

Gus’ training took place in England at Rollestone Camp on the Salisbury Plain. The 18th Battalion left for France 10 October 1917.

After numerous battles and many hardships, AM East was killed at Morlancourt on the Somme, France 19 May 1918, aged 25 years. He is buried at the British Cemetery, Sailly, Laurette, France.

What is particularly of note is the concern from Augustus for his family in Australia, while he was fighting at war. His thoughts were always with his family and home, even as he was enduring the horrors of war.

External LinkPte Gus East Shellharbour 1916Roll of Honor 1918

Augustus Milton East 1893-1918.

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CollectionPeopleFamilyEastLocalityShellharbourPersonEast, JamesPlaceBass Point ReserveRelated ItemAugustus Milton East 1893-1918

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East, Augustus Milton