McLACHLAN, Hamilton Hollingworth

Hamilton’s birth to William and Catherine McLachlan was registered at Bingara NSW in 1894. He was a single man working as a Drover when he enlisted at Inverell in May 1916.

After joining the 34th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement he left Australia in October 1916 on HMAT A30 Borda. Prior to his departure he was given a ‘send-off’ at Delungra and presented with socks and a silver matchbox. Upon arrival in England further training was undertaken until he was sent to France in April 1917. During February 1918 he had nearly three weeks leave in England.

Hamilton was awarded the Military Medal in September 1918 and the following month appointed Lance Corporal. He was also awarded the Medaille d’Honneur avec Glaives Bronze.

Hamilton returned to Australia in 1919 and was discharged in Sydney in August. The Inverell Times 15 July 1919 reported he was the ‘first decorated soldier to return home to Delungra’.

Hamilton McLachlan has his name inscribed on the Inverell and Delungra Honor Rolls and on the new Anzac Memorial at Delungra.

Image: Courtesy Australian War Memorial AWMPO2713.001