Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Edward John Backman was born in April 1892, in Bowden, South Australia. During his childhood, he grew up in his family home, 197 Franklin Street, with his father and without his mother. He was also raised as a Methodist. Presumably, when he finished his schooling, he went on to become a labourer. He continued in this occupation until his enlistment in the army at age 25. It can be assumed that his motivation to join the army was due to his father passing two years before while in service, in 1915. On January 31st, 1917, he filled out the enlistment forms and was successfully recruited as a private into the 10th Australian infantry battalion. He was single at the time, as his next of kin was his father. He had no previous training, apart from the compulsory training scheme. 

After enlisting and completing his training in Australia, He embarked on the HMAT A30 Borda, on the 23rd of June, 1917. This ship went to Plymouth, and Edward trained in England for the remainder of 1917. He was taken on strength of the 10th Battalion on 23rd January 1918. Edward managed to go through the remainder of the war unwounded, although did suffer from trench fever in  August 1918. On 25th January 1919 he embarked for Australia on the SS Ceramic. He was discharged on the 6th of April, due to a “Cessation of Hostilities”. In this, he did a total of 2 years, 66 days of service, and spent 1 year and 265 days abroad. With his large amount of time in service, he received three medals. The first medal was the Star, which was given automatically to all soldiers at the beginning of the war. The Victory medal was given to him as well as all other alive soldiers by the end of the war. The last medal was the British War Medal, which was given to him after a specific amount of service.

He passed away on the 15th of February, 1935, at the age of 43. His cause of death is unknown, but he is buried at the AIF cemetery. A will was placed within his files, which stated that it was to be lodged with a woman called Alice Cairns, whose identity is still unknown. Edward John Backman successfully participated and survived World War 1.

Edward John Backman - known as Jack. 10th Battalion AIF

His parents were Kaspar (Charles) & Mary Anne (Annie) Backman (formerly Bachmann). Alice Cairns I believe to be Alice Kearns who was Jack's sister. Jack's brother Sgt. Charles (Rappie) James Backman died during the Gallipoli landings on April 25 1915. His body was never recovered. Their mother was present during their childhood and was distraught when Rappie went missing. 
His parents weren't informed of Rappie's death until October 1916. Jack enlisted after his brother's death and thankfully returned home safely. 

Jack was 44 when he died in 1935. He lived in Murray Bridge.  He was survived by his wife and daughter and his mother. Also by 4 sisters & 3 brothers.