ALFRED JAMES ANNETTS known as Alf

Enlisted on the 21st April 1918. Rejected

On the 21st April Alfred signed his Attestation papers at Cobargo. He was 23 year old and his trade, Printer. His initial examination noted ‘right leg slightly shorter than left caused through fracture but causes no inconvenience whatever.’ The attending officer considered Arthur fit for active service on condition he was passed fit by the medical Board. (N.A.A. War Records)

The Cobargo Chronical on 27th April reported that ‘Alf Annetts and Willie Boyd who have enlisted, go to Sydney next Saturday with a view of going into camp’.

Unfortunately for Alf and Willie at their examination on the 6th May 1918 they were declared unfit for active service. Alf was rejected due to one short leg due to old hip disease.

Three months later, when the South Coast March to Freedom came to Cobarg, Alf, and his mate Willie Boyd, once again fronted the enlisting officer hoping the previous decision could overturned.  They both applied for the A.M.C (Australian Medical Corps) but was again disappointment came their way when they were notified that at present there were no more vacancies in the A.M.C. branch of the service.

Alf spent his time involved in the community, in sports, coaching junior footballers, on committees for the local football club, as well as writing for the Cobargo Chronicles.

In 1936 Alf and his wife departed Cobargo for a new life in Sydney.

On the 31st October 1949 Alfred James Annetts died in North Sydney He is buried at the Macquarie Park Sydney.

A.M.C.  have to see if this is the Australian medical Corps.

Australian War Memorial Soldier Records WW1

Cobargo Chronicles 1918