Albert Barr WISHART

WISHART, Albert Barr

Service Number: S11922
Enlisted: 22 May 1917
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: Australian Veterinary Corps
Born: Port Lincoln, South Australia , 2 May 1872
Home Town: Kensington Gardens, Burnside, South Australia
Schooling: Hinklers Private School, Warratta Vale, SA
Occupation: Farmer
Died: Tumby Bay, 13 April 1964, aged 91 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Lipson Cemetery
Memorials:
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World War 1 Service

22 May 1917: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, S11922, Australian Veterinary Corps
20 Nov 1917: Discharged AIF WW1, Private, S11922, Australian Veterinary Corps

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Biography contributed by Geoffrey Stewart

Albert was born on 2 May 1872 at White’s Flat (near the Tod River, SA) to John Innes Wishart and Jessie Wishart (nee Barr).  He was the fourth youngest of 11 children in the family, 4 boys and 7 girls.  His father, who came to Australia from Scotland in 1840 settled at Penrice (near Angaston SA), before purchasing land at Flaxman's Gully (also near Angaston). In 1867 the Angaston property was sold and the family moved to Eyre Peninsula and took up land near the Tod River, the property being known as the "Mallee". Two years after Albert was born the family moved again, this time onto a larger farm at Warratta Vale.

Albert went to school at Hinkler’s Private School (the predecessor to the Warratta Vale School), at Warratta Vale. Like most young lads of the time he worked on the family farm on completion of schooling.

On 4 Nov 1902 Albert married Agnes Jane Brougham at the Church of the Epiphany at Lipson. They had a family of 5 children, 2 boys and 3 girls. They raised their family on the farm at Warratta Vale.

On 22 May 1917 Albert enlisted in the Army at the age of 45 years: his previous applications for enlistment having been rejected on medical grounds because of varicose veins. He was sent to 2nd Depot Battalion (Bn) at Mitcham for training before being posted to the Veterinarian Section also at Mitcham. Approximately 6 months later he was discharged from the Army on medical grounds, again varicose veins.

The prefix “S” to his service number indicates that he did not complete his training before discharge and was not a member of the AIF.

Albert returned to Tumby Bay and the property at Warratta Vale; he immersed himself in community service. He was the Chairman of the Tumby Bay District Council for several years and also the Chairman of the Lipson Show Committee for many years. He remained interested in public affairs in both the local district and the Eyre Peninsula until his death.

He was also an accomplished sportsman, winning the Veterans Bowling Championship at Tumby Bay at the age of 90, an achievement of which he was justifiably proud.

He died on 13 Apr 1964 at the age of 91 years. His wife Agnes died on 12 Jul 1975, also at the age of 91 years. They are buried side by side in the Lipson Cemetery.

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