HART, Alfred James

Alfred was the only son of George and Minnie Hart of Bukkulla, north of Inverell NSW. In 1889 his birth was registered at Warialda where he later attended school.  He enlisted at Inverell in October 1916, stating that he was a twenty six year old labourer at Bukkulla. 

After joining the 13th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement, he left Australia on HMAT A72 Beltana in November and arrived at Devonport, England two months later.  Following six months training he was sent to France at the end of June 1917. Just a few weeks later he was Killed in Action near Messines on 8 August and buried at Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium.

At Inverell Alfred’s name is inscribed on the town’s Honor Roll and Cenotaph.  In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade, Inverell. His name is also recorded on the Bukkulla Roll of Honor, now at Inverell Pioneer Village.