| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Albert Bapaume Area, Gueudecourt |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL22747.003 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London |
| Date made | c 1921-1922 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Next of Kin plaque : Corporal Alan McKay, 46th Battalion, AIF
Description
Bronze next of kin plaque, showing on the obverse, Britannia holding a laurel wreath, the British lion, dolphins, a spray of oak leaves and the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' around the edge. Beneath the main figures, the British lion defeats the German eagle. The initials 'ECP', for the designer Edward Carter Preston appear above the lion's right forepaw. A raised rectangle above the lion's head bears the name 'ALAN McKAY'.
History / Summary
Born in Mildura, Victoria, Alan McKay was a 19 year old university student when he enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 4 August 1915, with the consent of both his parents. He had previously served with the Scotch College cadets, and at the time of his enlistment was a lieutenant in the Melbourne University Rifles.
Posted as a corporal, service number 4883, to the 15th Reinforcements for the 14th Battalion, McKay sailed from Melbourne aboard HMAT A68 Anchises on 14 March 1916. after training in Egypt he arrived in France in June and joined his battalion on 21 July.
Alan McKay survived the battle of Pozieres but was killed in action near Gueudecourt on 14 November. He is buried in the Bancourt British Cemetery. Two of his brothers also served and survived the war.
This memorial plaque was sent to his father, Nathaniel B McKay, in August 1922.