George Forrest
Name: George Allen Forrest
Rank: Sergeant
Service Number: 5696
Units Served: 43rd Battalion
Personal Details: George Allen Forrest was the son of William and Sarah Ann of Springton, South Australia. He attended Springton Public School and was a motor driver when he enlisted. His father stated that he was a farmer and grazier on his roll of honour circular.
Enlistment Details: He enlisted on the 10th March 1916 and originally joined the 10th Battalion.
Details about his role in War: On the 24th June 1916, George boarded a train in Adelaide bound for Melbourne. He embarked from Melbourne on the 27th August 1916 on the “Barambah” and arrived in Plymouth on the 25th August 1916. He was taken on strength by the 43rd Battalion on the 23rd September, and departed England for France on the 25th November. On the 19th February, 1917 he received a gun shot wound to the shoulder and was sent to England for treatment. He was granted furlough on the 2nd May for 2 weeks. He returned to France on the 16th June, and rejoined the 43rd on the 4th July 1917. On the 17th July he was promoted to Lance Corporal and then was made a Temporary Corporal on the 1st August. He attended Corps School from the 14th August to the 15th September. On the 18th September he was promoted to Corporal and was then made a Lance Sergeant on the 27th. He was then detached to Musketry School before being granted leave on the 25th October. On the 4th November he returned to his battalion, leaving again for Brigade NCO School on the 27th December. He returned on the 20th January 1918, a day after being made Temporary Sergeant. He went to Paris on the 22nd February for leave, returning on the 2nd March. On the 20th of April 1918 he was wounded in action while working of the parapet of the trench that his company was occupying near Sailly-le-Sec. While the eye-witness accounts very slightly it seems that he was hit in the side by a bullet, possibly from a machine gun, and was carried unconscious to the dressing station, but died before he could be attended to.
His property, including the sale of his horses, was divided among his 5 brothers according to the terms of his will.
Age at Death: 28
Memorial Details: Bonnay Communal Cemetery Extension.
