Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Private Alfred POLKINGHORNE, a farmer, was born at Moonta Mines, near Moonta, South Australia, on 9 June 1884. His father was Josiah (Joseph) POLKINGHORNE and his mother, Elizabeth ROACH.

Alfred was one of 12 children. He had a brother Frederick (born 16 August 1867 in Moonta), a sister Eveline, born 13 May 1869 in Moonta), a brother Albert (born 27 January 1874 in Moonta Mines), a brother William (born 27 October 1878 in Moonta Mines), a sister Alice (born 20 November 1880 in Moonta Mines), a brother Josiah (born 1 May 1886) in Currumulka), a sister Edith (born 12 July 1886 in Moonta), a brother Horace (born 11 July 1871) in Moonta, a sister Lilias (born 23 November 1872) in Moonta Mines, a sister Clara Elizabeth (born 9 September 1876) in Kulpara, and a brother Ernest, born 29 March 1882 in Currumulka).

Alfred attested on 8 July 1916 when he was 31 years 9 months, His next of kin was given as Miss Edith POLKINGHORNE of Currumulka, on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. Alfred, a Methodist, was 5 feet 7 inches with brown eyes and ‘nut’ brown hair. Alfred was a member of “C” Company, 2nd Deport Battalion. He worked for the Filed ambulance, Camel Corps. He departed Melbourne on 10 May 1917 and disembarked in Suez on 20 June 2017. He departed Egypt to return to Australia on the HT ‘Castalia’ on 26 April 1919 and was discharged on 27 June 1919. Alfred was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, a British War Medal, and a Victory Medal for his service.

Before, he enlisted, Alfred was the best man at the marriage of his brother, Ernest, to Miss Myrtle Gregor on 8 April 1913.

Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 24 May 1913, page 40

MARRIAGES.
A bright wedding took place in the Curramulka Methodist Church on April 8, when Miss Myrtle Gregor, fifth daughter of Mr. W. Gregor, of Curramulka, was married to Mr. Ernest Polkinghorne, also of Curramulka. The bride, who was given away by her brother (Mr. Gilbert Gregor) was daintily attired in a beautiful dress of white merve with trimmings of tucked net and silk applique and tiny glass but tons. Miss Elsie Oegor (sister of bride), Miss F. Gregor (cousin), and Miss V. George acted as bridesmaids, and wore attired alike in dresses of pin-spot muslin lavishly inset with val. lace.. They car ried bouquets of red cactus dahlias, car carnations, and fern, with streamers of red ribbon. The bridegroom was supported by his brother (Mr. Alfred Polkinghorne) as best man. Messrs. R. Tucker and F. McLean acted as groomsmen.' Rev H. Rush, of Miulaton, was the officiating min ister. After the ceremony a reception was held in the town hall, and a large num ber of relatives and friends of the bride and bridegroom were present. The guests were received by Mrs. W. Gregor, mother of the bride, who was attired in black silk with trimmings of net and silk ap plique. Dancing and musical items took the form of the evening's amusement. The e happy couple were the recipients of a large number of handsome and useful pre-. sents. The music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs. D. McPharlin. Mr. John Cameron carried out the duties of MC. Mr. and Mrs. Polkinghorne left next morning on their honeymoon. The bride's' travelling costume was navy coat and skirt, with blue satin hat lined with black. The future home of the happy couple is at Curramulka.

After returning to Australia, Alfred married Miss Cecelia Catherine CLANCY (born 20 November 1889) , the daughter of John CLANCY and Ellen CROWLEY of Gawler, in Adelaide on 3 April 1920.

Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1923), Thursday 21 December 1922, page 1

POLKINGHORNE (nee Clancy).—On the 1st December, at private hospital, Curramulka, to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Polkinghorne—a son.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 30 November 1934, page 2

Mr. Alfred Polkinghorne, a wellknown farmer of Curramulka, died of pneumonia in the Curramulka Hospital on November 9. He was in his 50th year, and left a widow and one son, John, and daughter, Patricia. The Alexandra Masonic Lodge, of which he was a member, will hold a Lodge of Sorrow on Tuesday, December 11.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 11 October 1952, page 22
POLKINGHORNE.—The wife, daughters and sons of the late Alfred Polkinghorne wish to THANK all friends and relatives for floral tributes, telegrams, phone calls, letters, cards and personal expressions of sympathy in their recent sad loss of a beloved husband and father. Thanking Dr. F. Altman and Angaston Hos-pital staff. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Finlay. Will all please accept this as our personal thanks?