| Place | Europe: France |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/07792 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Plant matter; Wood; Glass; Silk; Cardboard |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia, France |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Pressed Flowers : Private R Alder, 31 Battalion, AIF
Description
Wooden frame with glass front. The cardboard in the centre contains a posy of pressed flowers bound with white (now yellowed) and red ribbons. Handwritten next to the posy are the words 'Flowers off Grave of Pte Robert Alder Killed in Action 21st July 1916 in France 19 years & 21 days 31st Batt 8th Brigade'.
History / Summary
1033 Private Robert Alder was a 19 year old gardener serving in France with 31 Battalion when he was killed in action on 21 July 1916. A Victorian from Cheltanham, Alder was born in June 1897 and had undergone training as a Senior Cadet before the war. He enlisted on 14 July 1915, shortly after his 18th birthday, but was killed in action near Fleurbaix just over a year later. He is buried in the Anzac Cemetery at Sailly-sur-la-Lys.