Anderson, Kieran

Lieutenant Kieran Leopold Anderson – 16^th Battalion AIF

Kieran Anderson was born at Rosebud Victoria on the 4^th February 1891 to Holden Ludwig Anderson & Francis Mary Anderson. His father had been born in Norway but was a naturalized British subject. After Kieran’s birth the family took up residence in South Australia, then Western Australia, residing at ‘Rosebud’ George Street South Fremantle. (George St changed name to Gold Street)

After schooling in Adelaide and Fremantle, Kieran started work in WA as a civil servant. He was involved in the local scouting association, and joined the 11^th Australian Infantry regiment in March 1909, transferring to the 86^th Infantry in June 1912. In 1913 he rose in rank from Corporal to Regimental Sergeant Major. He was confirmed as a 2^nd Lieutenant in 1914. During this time he undertook a machine gun course at Randwick and a Topography course at York. The 1914 Electoral Roll lists him as still residing in George St South Fremantle.

When war was declared he offered his services to the AIF in November 1914 by applying for a commission. He was accepted with the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant and posted to the 16^th Battalion AIF. He was found to be 5 feet 6 inches in height; weighed 146 lbs; chest measurement of 34-37 inches; ruddy complexion; blue eyes & light brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.

The 16^th Battalion was sent to Melbourne to train with the rest of the 4^th Brigade at Broadmeadows Camp. They left Melbourne on the 22^nd December 1914 aboard the A35 Berrima. Kieran at this time was attached to the 1^st reinforcements to the 16^th Battalion. After training in Egypt, Kieran was promoted to full Lieutenant & was attached to C Company of the 16^th Battalion on the 22^nd March 1915.

Kieran was later transferred to D Company of the 16^th Battalion and he landed at Anzac Cove in the early evening of the 25^th April 1915. Kieran survived the first week but on the 2^nd May 1915 he lost his life in the attack on Dead Man Ridge. The Turkish forces overlooked the position the 16^th had attacked and despite gaining their position the remaining men of the 16^th were forced out by the heavy Turkish fire.

Kieran’s body was seen beside his batman, No.798 Pte Williams by the retiring soldiers. Unfortunately Kieran’s remains were not found after the attack and was thought to be lost on Dead Man’s Ridge, though the body of his batman was recovered an reburied in Quinn’s Post Cemetery by war graves parties in the 1920’s.

Post war Lt Kieran Leopold Anderson’s name was inscribed on the Lone Pine Memorial to the Missing.

While his father received his effects and medals, his mother received a war pension of 52 pounds per annum