Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

'Lieutenant Alexander George Gilpin was a member of the Melbourne Stock Exchange and the son of Mr Alexander Gilpin, of Macarthur-street, Ballarat. His brother, Mr T. J. Gilpin, is also a lieutenant in the Australian Imperial Regiment. The official messages did not give the initials of the Lieutenant Gilpin killed, but all doubt on the question was set at rest by a private cablegram from Lieutenant J. McL. Cameron, of Cameron's Scouts, reporting that it was Lieutenant Alexander Gilpin who was killed, and that he died a painless death.

Lieutenant Gilpin was well-known in Bairnsdale, almost solely by the sobriquet of "Sandy." He was for some time employed in the Bank of Victoria, but a sedentary occupation was always distasteful to him and he finally took the extreme step of sending in his resignation to the bank and journeying into the bush to earn his livelihood in a more congenial if loss comfortable manner. After a few months' "holiday", chiefly spent in the Lindenow district, young Gilpin's father prevailed upon him to go to Melbourne, where he set him up in business as a stock and sharebroker. During his stay in Bairnsdale "Sandy" Gilpin made himself well liked. He was of a lively and daring disposition, fond of all out-door sports, and a prominent member of the rowing club. The news of his death was received with pro-found regret by his old associates here.' from Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle 25 Aug 1900 (nla.gov.au)

Born 1879; enrolled in 3rd Battalion, 15th November, 1894; received lieutenant’s commission, 21st June, 1895; transferred to reserve of officers, 20th May, 1898; left for South Africa with Imperial Bushmen’s Corps, 28th April, 1900; killed, 20th August, 1900.