MATHER, Alan James

Alan was a thirty six year old Grazier at Ashford when he enlisted in January 1916 and became one of the First Contingent of Inverell's Kurrajongs. He had previously been a member of the Inverell Light Horse for three years.

Alan trained with the 33rd Battalion at Armidale and Rutherford, however during his final leave he became ill and did not leave Australia until September 1916. He served in France and Belgium where he took part in the Battle of Messines and was Killed in Action on 8 June 1917. As he had no known grave, his name was recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.

During 2008 Alan's remains were discovered during an archaeological dig being carried out by members of the Ploegsteert project.  Using DNA from relatives, he was formally identified in 2010.

Private Alan Mather was given a full Military burial service at Prowse Point Military Cemetery, Belgium on 22 July 2010. He is remembered at Inverell where his name is inscribed on the World War 1 Cenotaph and Honor Roll. He was also one of the 215 local men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade.

Photo: Private collection