Bateman, Albert

2999A Private Albert Bateman - 11th Battalion AIF

Albert Bateman was born in Fremantle WA in 1893 to Ann Bateman. He was one of five children with Francis (1880), Walter (1884), Samuel (1885) and Mervyn (1887).

The family lived in Solomon Street Beaconsfield and Albert was educated at Fremantle Boys School. He also spent time in the local cadets.

After leaving school Albert took up employment as a clerk for J&W Bateman.

On the 12th July 1916 Albert enlisted into the AIF. He stated on his enlistment form that he was the sole support for his mother.

The medical examiner recorded Albert's physical attributes as;

Height - 5 feet 5 & 3/4 inches;

Weight - 131 lbs;

Chest measurement - 33-35 inches;

Complexion - Fresh;

Eyes - Brown;

Hair - Brown.

After his successful enlistment Albert was sent to Blackboy Hill Camp. After a month in the general training depot, Albert was assigned to the 5th Reinforcements to the 43rd Battalion. However he didn't remain with this group and returned to the training depot. Albert then attended the NCO school and became a Corporal.

On the 2nd December 1916 Albert was assigned to the 6th Reinforcements to the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. This group embarked from Fremantle on the 29th December 1916 aboard the transport ship Persic. After a long sea journey they disembarked at Devonport Harbour on the 3rd March 1917.

Albert and his group were then marched into the Pioneer Training Battalion at Fovant Camp. Albert remained in England for much of the year and in November was assigned to the 11th Battalion and he joined them on the Western Front.

On the 10th March 1918 while the unit was in the front line in Belgium Albert was wounded. He had been hit in the eye by shrapnel and was evacuated to hospital, firstly in France and then in England. He remained in hospital for much of 1918 and in October he caught influenza which necessitated a further stay in hospital.

Further treatment was done on his eye injury and Albert eventually sailed home on the 6th May 1919 on the Hospital Ship Karoola. He disembarked in Fremantle on the 15th June 1919. He was discharged from the AIF on the 30th May 1921.

Prior to leaving England he had a photo taken with other Fremantle friends and relative.

Walter Flindell and Ernie Mainstone both 32nd Battalion in back row and Vern Bateman and Albert Bateman in front row.

In 1929 Albert married Jessie Fuller in Fremantle and they would go on and live at 39 Osborne Road East Fremantle. They would have one son Ken.

Albert Bateman died on the 2nd May 1949 aged 55. He was buried in Fremantle Cemetery Anglican plot Mon A8 0098.