Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander McMorland VD
1st Queensland (Moreton) Regiment,
1st Regiment, The Scottish Horse,
Australian Army Service Corps, AIF.
by Robert Simpson
Alexander McMorland was born in 19th November 1863 in Hackney London Middlesex England (well, according to his Application for a Commission Form in his service records, he was actually born 19th November 1859). He was a son to Robert McMorland and Elizabeth Broome who had been married on 28th June 1851 in Woodbridge Parish Suffolk. The family details and records need to be better established, but that would involve buying birth, marriage and death records to establish them without doubt. The only details that are confirmed are Robert McMorland and Elizabeth. According to various English census they had 7 children with Alexander being the middle of 3 boys. Robert was involved with fabrics and warehouses. He must have had a good business as when he died in December 1879, he left a sizable estate. If this family is correct, then Alexander gave the wrong birthdate on his service records as he was listed in the 1861 census as being born in 1859 in Hackney. They were living at 9 Enfield Road Hackney St. John at that time. In the 1871 census, Alexander was a pupil at Eastcliffe Grammar School at 58 Clifton Terrace, St John. After that, he went to a College at London University, attended Military College at Friedrichshafen in Germany and Ecole Militare in Paris.
The Queensland Government Gazette of 16th April 1888 has under the heading Queensland Scottish Volunteer Corps “A” Company, Alexander McMorland is appointed to be a Lieutenant on 21st March 1888. Another entry adds the word “provisionally”. An entry on 28th July 1888 notified that the Governor “has been pleased to appoint” Acting Lieutenant Alexander McMorland (and others) to be Lieutenants in the Volunteer Branch of the Defence Force. In the Gazette of 1889 is an entry to do with an insolvent storekeeper, with an Alexander McMorland, merchant, of Brisbane being appointed Trustee of the property. On 28th March 1889, Lieutenant Alexander McMorland was appointed as a Captain in the Queensland Defence Force (Land). It was also noted in the Queenslander of 8th April 1889 under the heading of Military Matters.
In 1889, Alexander married Ethel Florence Louisa Young in Sydney. It appears she had been previously married. Unfortunately not much else is known about her, when she was born or her parent’s names. She was born in 1865 according to her death record. The Newsletter carried a note on Saturday 17th March 1906, stating “Mrs. McMorland (Burwood) left for a short recuperative trip to Katoomba on Friday last. She has not quite regained strength after her late severe illness.” Maybe this is one reason they never had children. She was also mentioned in various social columns in newspapers in the 1900’s.
On 27th October 1890, between 10.30 am and 3 pm their house at Botany Street Waverley was broken into and a long list of items was stolen. They were listed in the Police Gazette on 29th October with the total value listed as 135 pounds. On the 5th November 1890 a further list of stolen items was inserted in the Police Gazette and the description of some of the previous items was clarified. It is not known if they were recovered.
An entry in the Queensland Gazette reads that on 22nd June 1894 Acting Lieutenant Alexander McMorland was appointed to be a Lieutenant in the Queensland Defence Force (Land).
An article in the Brisbane Courier of 27th March 1900 under Defence Force Notes gave a description of the Moreton Regiment at a parade and then a practice a battalion attack. An entry reads “The firing line in the first attack was superintended by Captain McMorland, and in the second by Captain Fryer. Blank ammunition was used during the afternoon, and there was a good crowd of spectators watching the proceedings.” The Government Gazette of 22nd December 1900 has an instruction that Captain A McMorland 1st Regiment was to be one of the Officers detailed to proceed with the Guard of Honour for Commonwealth Celebrations in Sydney.
The Queensland Officers List, dated 28th February 1901, contains the entries under the heading Infantry Southern District, 1st Queensland (Moreton) Regiment; Captain Alexander McMorland Mar.28, 1899 and under 1st Battalion A Company Capt. A. McMorland with the Company being formed in Brisbane on 24th February 1895. In the Graduation List he is entered as being born on 19th November 1860, first appointed on 19th May 1894, appointed Lieutenant on 22nd June 1894 and appointed Captain on 28th March 1899.
In 1901 Captain McMorland applied to proceed to South Africa. “Gentleman A McMorland” embarked for South Africa, where he was commissioned into the 2nd Scottish Horse with the rank of Lieutenant on 26th November 1901 (with previous service noted as Queensland Defence Force). He was then promoted to Captain in the 1st Regiment. The Scottish Horse was raised in South Africa in 1900 from Australian volunteers and drafts from Scotland and South Africa.
In June 1902 he embarked on the Salamis at Cape Town as Lieutenant McMorland and arrived at Melbourne on 31st July 1902 and at Sydney on 5th August.
He applied for appointment in the new Federal Contingent in 1902.
Pugh’s Almanac and Queensland Directory of 1904 under the heading Defence has listed Captain Alexander McMorland.
In 1906 he was listed in a directory as Captain McMorland, living at Cheltenham Road Burwood. On 18th March 1907 he departed Bluff on the Maheno, listed as Captain McMorland, and arrived at Hobart on 21st March. He was awarded the AFLSM EVII on 17th November 1906 and the CAFD EVII on 13th July 1907, both as Captain A McMorland ASC. Captain McMorland of the Australian Army left England in the ship India on 17th July 1908, bound for Australia, and arriving at Sydney on 27th August.
From 1908 to 1911 Captain McMorland VD ASCC produced reports, photographs and information in regard to Mechanical Transport and Hornsby Chain Tractor. These documents are available to view at National Archives.
A directory in 1910 has his residence as “Dargon” Jersey Rd Burwood. The 1911 Sands Directory has an entry for Alex McMorland, Manager NSW Fresh Food and Ice Co. Ltd. 23-25 Harbour St. and a private residence of “Langlo” Burwood Rd Burwood. On 12th July 1913 he left Singapore on the Mataram and arrived in Sydney on the 19th.
In his Service Records is a list of his details of service before WW1. It reads: – Infantry Queensland Defence Corps from May 1886 to 20th March 1905 to rank of Captain. Army Service Corps, New South Wales, 20th March 1905 to December 1912 and retired with honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Passed for Major D.O. 123 on 26th November 1896. Served in South Africa from April 1901 until 17th August 1902. Special service from Queensland. He was Transport Officer with the Scottish Horse, then Transport Officer with No. 3 Mobile Column with Colonel Ramsay and Colonel Mackenzie of the Seaforth’s, then Assistant Brigade Transport Officer to General Bruce of Hamilton Brigade. He did the army service course at Aldershot England in May 1908 for Special Mechanical Transport. He passed the School of Musketry at Brisbane in 1900, Topography and Map Reading, Practical, Surveying with Honours in 1901 and Army Service School with honours in August 1903. He was given a Special Mention Staff Ride 5th September 1903 for Army Service Corps work. He was Area Officer of 36B from 1st December 1913. He was awarded the Long Service Medal, Volunteer Officers Decoration and the South Africa Queens medal with 5 clasps.
On 9th October 1914 he was appointed to the AIF, although the Nominal Roll and Attestation Paper say he applied for a commission in the 2nd Army Service Corps on 12th September at Sydney. His next of kin was given as his wife, Ethel Louisa McMorland (widow) of “Langlo” Alt St. Ashfield, New South Wales. His occupation was Gentleman and his religion was Church of England. His wife must have been previously married, although no details can be found. His previous service was listed as Reserve of Officers. A card in his service records says he was taken on strength of 7th Company Australian Army Service Corps on 19th September 1914 after enlisting on 12th September. He was the owner of Preserving Works of Sydney. His birth month was originally written as June, but changed to November 19th in Hackney London. Alexander was described as being 50 years and 10 months old, height of 5 feet and 7.25 inches tall, weighing 9 stone 2 pounds, chest measurement of 31 to 34.5 inches and he was of dark complexion with grey hair. His eye colour was not noted, but his eyesight was good, and he had vaccination marks on his left arm. He was appointed Captain on 9th October 1914 and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel on appointment to the AIF. A line on his Attestation Paper says have “you ever been convicted by the Civil Power?” with and answer of no and in another pen, see inside. His previous military service included 28 years in Commonwealth and Queensland Forces, Area Officer, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel. South Africa Queens medal with 5 clasps and V.D. Decoration. His pay book number was 152142.
With 4th Infantry Brigade Train (7 Company ASC), Alexander departed Sydney on HMAT A39 Port Macquarie on 21st December 1914. They actually cleared the heads at 7.30am on the 22nd according to his diary. He commented on the rough seas and a large number of men being sick. There was also problems cleaning the horse stalls and he noted how they solved it. His Trade or Calling was listed as Gentleman on the Nominal Roll. It gave his rank as Captain, age 51, date of joining 9th October 1914 and religion as Church of England. He was in the Reserve of Officers on enlisting. His next of kin was entered as “Ethel Louisa McMorland (widow), “Langlo”, Alt-street, Ashfield, N.S.W.”
He disembarked in Egypt on 1st February 1915 and embarked for Gallipoli on 12th April.
The 1915 directory gives his address as 109 Crystal Street Petersham.
Alexander was promoted to Major on 27th July 1915 and was transferred to 2nd Division Train on 27th August 1915 at Gallipoli. Although his records say this, the war dairy seems to indicate he was still in Alexandria, as a message for him was sent to NZ&A Divisional Train Sidi Bish Camp at Alexandria. An order had been approved for his transfer to 3rd Australian Divisional Train on 22nd August 1915. He boarded the Southland at 6am on Monday the 30th and the ship left at 5pm. Alexander then started the War Diary as Senior Supply Officer for the 2nd Australian Division which included the notification of his transfer and embarkation. On 2nd September at 9.40 am the ship was truck with a torpedo. He then went into detail of the evacuation of the boat, the rescue by other boats and that the Southland proceeded to Lemnos under its’ own steam. At Lemnos, he was transferred to the Transylvania and noted that looting had occurred on the Southland as some of his kit was missing. He then boarded HMS Partridge and headed to and landed at Gallipoli on 6th September at 11pm. The next day he inspected the general surroundings and various depots and discussed supply matters. He selected a position for a supply depot at Whites Gully and spent the rest of the month inspecting depots and new sites and organising supplies. He also noted a Turkish attack and shelling. In October, he wrote of shelling, staff being ill due to dysentery or being killed, the weather and reduction in water rations. In early November he was not feeling to well, dysentery and a severe chill. He improved and resumed inspections and organising water. The lack of rations was also noted and that all carting was done at night. His last comment on 30th November was “Troops still on ¼ ration of water, much inconvenienced thereby”. On 12th December 1915 he left Anzac on Gallipoli for Mudros. Another officer wrote in the war diary “Major (Hon Lt-Col) A McMorland left. Destination unknown.” He left Mudros on the Minnewaska for Alexandria on 6th January 1916.
An entry in the Argus of 3rd January 1916 under the headings Appointments and Transfers and Divisional Train stated “Captain (Hon. Lieut.-Colonel) A. McMorland, V.D., is transferred from 4th Infantry Brigade Train. Dated 28th August 1915.”
He disembarked at Alexandria on 10th January 1916 from Mudros and was temporarily attached to 15th A.A.S.C. on the 21st at Tel-el-Kebir. On 12th March 1916 he was transferred temporarily to the 5th Australian Divisional Train as Senior Supply Officer at Ismailia. In Egypt in February 1916, as part of the formation of the 5th Australian Divisional Train, he was its’ first Senior Supply Officer, but he left the formation within a few months. It was recorded “he carried out the duties capably during that first difficult period”. They used a Decauville railway to transport supplies to the front line, but it was a mixed blessing. His diary on 13th April talked about the railway engines becoming clogged with dust and the lines covered with sand due to a Khamsin that had arose. Alexander had to procure 400 camels to transport supplies to the front line. He left in April. After correspondence, he was nominated for A.A.S.C. Training Depot on 10th May 1916. On 14th May he was marched in to A.A.S.C. Training Depot at Tel-el-Kebir.
On 11 September 1916 Ethel passed away with the death notice reading “at her residence, Douglas, Vernon-street, Petersham, Ethel Florence Louisa, wife of Lieut.-Colonel A. McMorland, A.I.F.” She was only 51 years old and her death was registered at Marrickville. Her will, number 78007, stated that on 12th April 1917, letters of administration were granted to a Sydney solicitor who was acting on behalf of Alexander, dispensed with Intestate and the estate was just over 442 pounds. Ethel was buried at Waverley cemetery in Section 7 Vaults, row 24, plot 971.
He was to be Officer Commanding troops at Park House, a Depot in the UK on 14th December 1916. While at the AIF Depots in the UK Headquarters on Salisbury Plains a request was written for a car to be placed at disposal of Colonel McMorland O/C AASC Training Depot in 1916.
A series of correspondence is listed in his service file, which starts with him asking if an error of the date of his promotion to Major in the Regimental List of Officers be corrected from 27.8.15 to 27.7.15. This started a series of notes which ended with a note to Base Records to change it. Notes then follow, saying “The O.C. Training establishment should be changed specially from time to time” and goes on to say that Major McMorland “is entitled after three years of service to freedom from further service – though he does not desire it.” Another officer was appointed and it was noted for Alexander to return home, with the details needed to organise that.
In 1917, Alexander asked that if anything were to happen to him, the army was to notify H C Ellison Rich, Solicitor of Bligh Chambers, Bligh Street in Sydney. The Transport Section of Headquarters was asked to arrange passage to Australia as early as possible after 4th November for Alexander, as termination of his appointment in the AIF had been approved. On 20th October 1917 he was marched out to No 2 Command Depot at Weymouth ex Egypt. According to his record, he had no forfeitures, crimes, VD etc. A letter from the AIF Administrative Headquarters in London to the Secretary of the Department of Defence in Melbourne discussed the return of Alexander to Australia for termination of appointment and included a letter from General McKay. The letter, dated 19th October 1917, reads “I desire to report that Major (Hon. Lieut.-Colonel) A. McMorland, V.D., A.A.S.C., is shortly returning to Australia after three years Service with the A.I.F., of which the latter part has been in A.I.F. Depots, Commanding the A.A.S.C., Training Depot. Major McMorland is very reluctant to return to Australia before the end of the war, but the G.O.C., A.I.F. approved of my recommendation that he should return on the grounds that he has done his full share of Service abroad considering his age. I am writing this letter officially to make it clear that Major McMorland is not one of those cases in which officers are being returned for lack of efficiency or zeal, so if there is any appointment in Australia suited to his experience and his age he can be relied upon to be absolutely loyal and zealous in the performance of any duties entrusted to him.”
He returned to Australia on 25th November 1917 as a Major in the 7th Australian Army Service Corps. He embarked in England on H.T. Ormonde for return due to termination of appointment. On 28th December he transhipped at Cape Town from Ormonde to Kenilworth Castle and then at Durban on 3rd January 1918 from Kenilworth Castle to Medic for conveyance to Australia. He disembarked at Melbourne for Sydney on 22nd January 1918.
His Commission Form was signed for on 14th December 1917 by his solicitor.
His appointment in the AIF was terminated at Sydney on 6th February 1918 with his rank stated as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel in the 5th Division Train. A letter was received by Base Records in Melbourne from the Chief Paymaster in London asking from Alexander’s address as he owed some money to them, 10 pounds and 9 shillings. They suggested to try SOI&RS in the 2nd Military District.
On 29th June 1918, Alexander married Augusta Badham at Woollarha, New South Wales. Her surname then was actually Reade; she had been previously married to James Reade who died in 1915 (in Australia). Augusta had been born on 31st May 1868 in Ballarat, a daughter to Charles Arthur Badham and Sarah Ann Jones who were both from England. She as living with her previous husband in the 1913 electoral roll at Racecourse Rd Hamilton in Brisbane and she was a milliner. The Sydney Times in Sydney did an article on the wedding on 7th July 1918 which read “A quiet wedding was celebrated on June 29 at St. Mark’s Church, Darling Point, between Lieut.-Colonel Alexander McMorland and Mrs. Augusta Reade. The Rev. E. Howard Lea officiated. Only a few personal friends attended the church, and after the ceremony adjourned to the residence of the bride. Mrs. McMorland was the widow of the late Captain James Reade, a well-known British shipmaster. His wife sailed with him for sixteen years, travelling to all parts of the globe. Lieut.-Col. McMorland has served over three years during the present war, and was also at the Boer War. Mrs. Lowndes and Major Tunks were in attendance at the ceremony.”
The 1920 Sands Street Index has them living at “Morella” Hill Street Roseville and also in the 1926 Directory with Alexander listed as Lieutenant-Colonel.
Base Records in Melbourne replied to the Department of Repatriation on 17th January 1921, stating that they held no medical documents at this branch for Alexander. It would appear no one had his Medical History sheet as the SOI&Rs 2nd Military District did not have it either. A letter from Base Records on 10th May 1924 gave the particulars of his service in the AIF and noted that no medical papers were available.
Alexander passed away on 22nd August 1927. He was buried in Waverley Cemetery in Sydney. On the index card to his diseased estate file, it shows him as an Accountant of Chatswood with Augusta as his administrator. The Sydney Morning Herald of 24th August 1927 published an obituary on him under the heading “An Original Anzac. Death of Colonel A. McMorland.” It continues “Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander McMorland, V.D., who died at his home, Caraiglea, Orchard-road, Chatswood, on Monday evening, aged 66 years, was an Anzac, who took part in the landing at Gallipoli, and who did not leave the peninsula till the day before the evacuation. He received his early training in the old Scottish Rifles, and served in the Boer War, during which he rose to the rank of major. Colonel McMorland volunteered his services immediately on the outbreak of the Great War. He was first placed in charge of the Warren camp. Then, in November, 1914, he was sent to Egypt, attached to the Army Service Corps. His efficient organisation of supply and transport services won high official praise, in Egypt, and on Gallipoli. When the Australian troops were withdrawn from the peninsula he was sent to England as officer commanding the Australian Army Service Corps School at Tidsworth. In October, 1917, his health forced his return to Australia. He was in charge of the Molongle camp till the end of the war. Colonel McMorland was for some years associated with the administration of the New South Wales Fresh Food and Ice Company. The funeral will leave Wood Coffill’s George-street parlours, at 10 a. m. to-day, for the Church of England section of Waverley Cemetery.” Another entry on the 25th noted the funeral took place the day before and was conducted by Canon Begbie. The chief mourner was Mr G G Badham (his brother in law) and a list of people and who they represented was listed.
In 1929 his wife, Mrs A McMorland of Chatswood NSW, sent to the Australian War Memorial a request to donate the private records of Lieutenant-Colonel A. McMorland VD to the Memorial. An entry in her husband’s service records has her address as “Craigielea”, Orchard Rd, Chatswood NSW which was crossed out and Hill Street, Roseville NSW added but crossed out and a comment “no good 1929”. In May 1928, Augusta left Australia on the Borodine and moved to England where she stayed. There is a card in Alexander’s records which says next of kin communicated with for records and relics on 18th March 1929. Augusta passed away on 21st February 1955 at 15 Palmerston Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, England. They stated her age as 76 on the record, 10 years younger than she actually was.
A letter from Base Records on 2nd April 1936 to Repatriation Commission in Melbourne referred to a communication and enclosures attached and they needed to act on it and reply directly. It was noted no medical papers were available. Unfortunately what it referred to is not in his records.
His medals are Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Colonial Auxiliary Volunteer Officer’s Decoration and Long Service Good Conduct medal.
