FINALLY FOUND
Albert Williamson - 54th Battalion

Born in the NSW town of Canowindra , Albert Williamson was the tenth child of Joseph and Cecilia Williamson. A 22 year-old labourer he was living at Rose Villa with his mother, his father having passed away, when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Cootamundra in August 1915.

Originally assigned to the 2nd battalion he was transferred to the newly created 54th battalion when he arrived in Egypt , moving to the Suez Canal and proceeding to undertake further training. After moving with his battalion to France in June onboard the Caledonian he proceeded to billets in Northern France .

The 54th took part in the allied attacks on Fromelles as one of the attacking battalions of the 14th brigade. Albert, having reached the German lines was killed during the night, his body recovered by the Germans and buried in the mass grave at Pheasant Wood.

Research Notes:

1) Albert's father Joseph passed away in 1914. His mother passed in 1938.

2) Albert was one of 13 children.

3) Years after his mother appeared in the Sydney Mail ( 20 Aug 1919 ) appealing for information about her son. Now, almost 90 years later her questions have been answered.

Photos:

1) Albert Williamson, thank you to Tim Lycett from Fromelles.net

2) Albert's home, Rose Villa.

3) Albert's home, Rose Villa.

Thank you to Monica Anderson and Tim Lycett for their help with this memorial.