Alec Hartley Bax

Service No 524

Private

3^rd Light Horse Brigade

Born 8 August 1894 at Mount Pleasant, SA. (registration records as Alick Hartley Bax)

Son of Charles Forbes BAX and Elizabeth Jane nee BOLT, of Mount Pleasant, SA.

Occupation prior to enlistment Trainer or Jockey

Enlisted 21 September 1914 at Morphettville, SA. The Unit embarked per HMAT Port Lincoln 23 October 1914.

Served at Gallipoli.

Wounded Monash Valley 30 May 1915, gunshot wound penetrating head.

Died on board Gascon from wounds.

Buried at sea 30 May 1915 at 11 am 3 miles from Gaba Tepe.

Commemorated Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Canakkale Province, Turkey

Pictured on the Mount Pleasant Soldiers Memorial Hall Honor Board and listed at the Anglican Church and Presbyterian Church.

The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 – 1929) Tuesday 15 June 1915 p 6 Article

PTE. BAX.

Pte. A. H. Bax, of the 3rd Light Horse, has been wounded in action at the Dardanelles. He is the fourth son of Mr. C. F. Bax (manager for Bagots, Shakes, and Lewis Limited), of Mount Pleasant, where he was born and educated. He was one of the first to volunteer from here. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Mrs. Madigan, of Tumby Bay. Pte. Bax had also been connected with one of the leading racing stables in Adelaide. He was 20 years of age last August. A brother is serving with the same company at the Dardanelles.

Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954) Saturday 26 June 1915 p 38 Article

PRIVATE A. H. BAX.

Private A. H. Bax, of the 1st Contingent, Light Horse, who was wounded and afterwards died in the Dardanelles, was the sixth son of Mr. C. Bax, manager for Bagot & Lewis, of Mount Pleasant. He was a grandson of Mr. Richard Bolt, River Murray, and a greatgrandson of Mr. G. Dunn, of Mount Torrens. He was born near Mount Pleasant 20 years ago, and was educated at the Mount Pleasant Public School. On leaving school he entered the stables of Mr. J. Patterson, at Glenelg, and with his brother George rode for that gentleman for several years. Getting too heavy for riding, he turned his attention to training. At Tumby Bay he took charge of the stables for Mr. T. Maddigan. Among the horses trained by him was Maarope, who was very successful in the country. His brothers, Murray and Ben, enlisted in the Light Horse, and when paying them a visit in camp he, too, enlisted. Alec was very popular, and was highly respected by all who knew him. Wherever he went he made friends. When the news reached Tumby Bay that he was killed the flags were hoisted at half-mast. Great sympathy is felt for Mr. Bax and family. Scores of letters of sympathy have reached them. Mr. Bax’s three sons, Murray, Ben, and Alec, were among, if not the first, at Mount Pleasant to offer their services for their country.

The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1954) Friday 25 June 1915 p 2 Article

PRIVATE A. H. BAX.

Private A. H. Bax, who has died from wounds received in the fight for the Dardanelles was the son of Mr. Charles Bax, manager for Messrs. Bagot, Shakes, & Lewis, at Mount Pleasant. The deceased’s name was included among those of the wounded in the thirtyninth casualty list. He came from a family of well-known horsemen, his brother George having been the leading jockey in South Australia for several seasons. He himself rode on South Australian courses for a considerable period. He was also well known for his prowess in the saddle at various country showrings.

When volunteers were called for the 3rd Light Horse he presented himself, and was readily accepted. After some time spent in Egypt he was among those who volunteered to serve in the Dardanelles as infantry. Great sympathy is felt for Mr. Bax and family. Scores of letters of sympathy have reached them. Mr. Bax’s three sons, Murray, Ben and, Alec, were among, if not the first, at Mount Pleasant to offer their services for their country.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931) Saturday 17 June 1916 p 8 Family Notices

BAX.-In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Alec, who died of wounds at Gaba Tepe on 29th May, 1915, 3rd L.H. Regiment.-Inserted by his loving parents, brother, and sister.

BAX.-In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law, Alec, who died of wounds at Gaba Tepe on 29th May, 1915, 3rd L.H. Regiment -Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Bert and Mary.

BAX.-A tribute of love and respect to the memory of our young friend. Alec. H. Bax, killed in action at Gallipoli on May 29, 1915. “For King and country”.- E. Madigan and family.

From an interview conducted in 1965, with Heinrich Drabsch, a boyhood friend who served at Gallipoli, Alec was taken by Simpson, on his donkey, for medical attention.

Brothers Murray Charles Bax and Benjamin Bax also served during WW1, with Murray also making the supreme sacrifice.