McGREGOR, Arthur Ernest

Arthur’s birth was registered at Inverell in 1887. He was one of several sons of John and Hannah McGregor of Old Mill, near Tingha NSW.  He attended The Ponds School and later worked in the mines, becoming an engine driver.

Arthur was twenty nine years old when he enlisted at Armidale NSW in October 1916. He joined the 4^th Battalion, 23^rd Reinforcement and left Australia on the ship HMAT A28 Suevic in November 1916. He married his wife, Alice, at Inverell just days before departure.

After arriving in England in January 1917 further training was undertaken until he was sent to France in June.  The following year he attended a Lewis Gun School in May.  During the Battle of Paschendale in October he was wounded and invalided back to England where he was admitted to Norfolk War Hospital, Norwich with a gunshot wound to his face.  Following his recovery he was sent back to France in May 1918.

Private Arthur McGregor was killed in action on 6 July 1918 at Monet de Merris, France.  He has no known grave and his name is among those recorded at the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France.  His personal effects, which included a testament, wallet and photos, were returned to his wife.

Arthur’s name is inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll, the Tingha Memorial and the Stannifer and Old Mill Honour Board. In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade, Inverell.

Image: Courtesy IDFHG