Life story retold by Paul Beecroft
ALAN McKINLAY. DCM
GUNNER 577 1ST BRIGADE
AUSTRALIAN FIELD ARTILLERY
Alan McKINLAY was born on April 30th 1893 in in the parish of Cumberland, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. His parents were Charles Colin and Helen Maria (known as Nellie). Alan had two siblings, Colin George (1899) and Margaret (1913). Alan was educated at Fort Street High School in Petersham, Sydney and then Richmond University, Sydney.
After leaving full time education he became a farmer at Demonstration Farm, Nyngan, New South Wales and was a member of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture.
On August 4th 1914, Britain declared war with Germany. Australia pledged full support and Alan was one of the first to join the Army. He joined the Australian Imperial Force on August 24th 1914. His army number of 577 confirms how quickly he joined. He was 21 years old at the time. He became a Gunner and was initially posted to 1st Brigade Ammunition Column. After some initial training Alan then embarked from Sydney on HMAT Argyllshire on October 18th 1914. Both Australian and New Zealand troops arrived in Egypt in December 1914. They set up camp near the Great Pyramids outside Cairo and began training for the Western Front and Gallipoli.
On February 13th 1915 Alan was transferred to the 3rd Battery, 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade. On April 25th 1915, the Australians and New Zealanders landed at what is now called Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula and were immediately involved in heavy fighting. By the evening of the first day 2,000 soldiers had been killed or wounded. They remained there until December 1915 being unable to break through the Turkish lines and were finally evacuated in December 1915.
During this time and just prior to landing at Anzac Cove, Alan had bouts of illness. On April 7th 1915 he was admitted to No. 15 General Hospital in Alexandria with Acute Arthritis. On May 1st he was admitted to No. 17 General Hospital, also in Alexandria with Rheumatic Fever. There is no indication as to how long he stayed in hospital but given the dates of his illnesses it is doubtful that he landed at Anzac Cove on April 25th.
On May 27th 1915, Alan finally left Egypt onboard HMT Kingstorian and went to Gallipoli where he joined his Battery. Conditions there were described as being one of the worst places to serve. Of the estimated 213,000 casualties, 145,000 were from illness. They suffered from intense heat, swarms of flies, body lice, severe lack of water and insufficient supplies.
On June 8th his Battery were in trouble following a volley of gunfire directed along their trench line and were forced to withdraw. However, one wounded soldier was unable to leave and was left behind. Alan, together with another soldier rushed back to the trench and carried him away. For his gallantry and devotion to duty he was recommended for a medal and on August 3rd he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. His citation reads:-
“For conspicuous gallantry on 8th June, 1915, south-west of Krithia, Gallipoli Peninsula. When a Company of Infantry had been forced by enfilade fire to vacate a trench, it was reported that one of their wounded had been left in the trench, which was now absolutely commanded by the enemy’s fire. Gunner McKinlay, with another man, volunteered to bring him in, and succeeded in doing so. It was a most gallant adventure, and showed a fine spirit of self-sacrifice.”
Just three weeks later Alan became ill again. He was suffering from Jaundice and was transferred to No. 11 Lower Field Ambulance on Gallipoli Peninsula and then, owing to his serious condition he was transferred to the Hospital Ship Cawdor Castle on the 31st and transported to England.
On September 11th he was admitted to Reading War Hospital suffering from both Jaundice and Dysentery and by this time he was seriously ill. He sadly died on September 19th.
Alan was buried on September 22nd in Reading Old Cemetery and is commemorated on the Screen Wall.
He is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour located in the Hall of Memory Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, the Nyngan and District War Memorial located at Bogan Shire Offices, corner Cobar & Tabratong Streets, Nyngan, New South Wales, Petersham Fort Street High School and the University of Western Sydney.
Division 71-72, War Plot