Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alick enlisted into the AIF on the 12-07-1915 and allocated as a Private in the 8th Light Horse, regimental number 1378. He stated that he had previous serve with the Geelong College Senior Cadets and also serving with the 13th Light Horse Regiment till he enlisted into the AIF. He embarked overseas to France on the 02-09-1916 and transferred to the 60th Battalion AIF and promoted Corporal on the 04-10-1916, and Temporary Sergeant on the 06-12-1916 before proceeding to England to attend the 6th Officer Cadet Battalion in Oxford. Alick was promoted 2nd Lieutenant on the 27-04-1917 and proceeded to France with the 59th Battalion AIF, he saw further promotion to Lieutenant on the 27-08-1917 and was cited for gallant conduct in the field. On the 19-11-1917 he transferred back to the 60th Battalion AIF and was recommended for the Military Cross, this being downgraded to the Belgium Croix De Guerre. He was wounded twice while serving with the 60th Battalion, 05-04-1916 gunshot left forearm and 18-06-1918 gunshot right leg, left buttock and right elbow.
Lieutenant Allardyce was Court Martialled on the 2nd August 1918, at Rouen France for striking 14066 Sergeant Victor John Roy of the 8th Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment on the mouth with his clenched fist on the 20th June 1918. The documents outlining this case are very hard to read, however Lieutenant Allardyce was found guilty off the charge and forfeiture seniority. Below is a letter from Brigadier General Elliott to the court, I have included this as it outlines Lieutenant Allardyce Military service:
“The bearer Lieut A. Allardyce 60th Battalion AIF is well known to me and has always borne the reputation of being one of the best of the junior officers of this Brigade. He was educated at one of the best Public Schools in this State, enlisted in the Ranks and served for some time in his Battalion as a NCO. He was recommended for a Commission by his then Commanding Officer Lt Colonel H. McL. Duigan on account of his consistent good conduct in the line under most trying circumstances during the winter of 1916. Since gaining his Commission a succession of Commanding Officers, viz Lt Colonel N. Marshall, DSO, MC; Lt Colonel H.T.C Layh, DSO and Major Kerr, MC have repeatedly commended his good work in the line and out of it. At the battle of POLYGON WOOD he was recommended by Lt Colonel for the Military Cross for distinguished gallantry. This was not granted but he received the Belgian Croix De Guerre, This was only because such a large number of junior Officers had distinguished themselves in this action that it was necessary to raise the standard far above the ordinary. At the battle of VILLERS BRETONNEX Lieut Allardyce showed conspicuous gallantry and received a painful wound whilst leading his platoon to recover from the enemy a position which had been abandoned by the British Troops earlier in the action. I have never known Lieut Allardyce to be under the influence of liquor or commit any offence whatsoever and I am quite at a loss to understand the very grave offence now charged against him”.
Lieutenant Allardyce embarked for Australia on the 20-12-1918, his appointment was terminated at Melbourne, Victoria on the 15-02-1920. World War Two again saw Alick join the Army he enlisted on the 16th December 1941 as a Private (V14745) in the 23rd Garrison Battalion being discharged on the 4th February 1946. It is interesting to note that Private Allardyce was again Court Marshalled on the 16th December 1941 while serving with the 23rd Gunnery Battalion. He died in Bundoora, Victoria in 1962 aged 74, and was cremated at the Fawkner Crematorium and Memorial Park, Fawkner, Victoria, Australia