Military History

Appointed L/Corporal 9.9.1914 prior to embarkation.
Embarked Fremantle per ‘Ascanius’ A11 for Egypt 2.11.1914.
Roll Rank L/ Corporal.
Roll Unit 11th Battalion, 3rd Infantry.
King disembarked with the 11th Battalion in Egypt. After 4 months of intensive training, he entrained with his Unit to Alexandria, joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF) and embarked for the Gallipoli Peninsula 29.4.1915. He transferred to 8th Battery 3rd Division Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) 24.9.1915. King was evacuated from the Dardanelles with all Australian Brigades and returned to Egypt. He disembarked from the HT ’Hororata’ at Alexandria 27.12.1915. King joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) at Alexandria and embarked for France 23.3.1916. He disembarked at Marseilles 29.3.1916. The 11th Battalion fought at Fleurbaix and Cordonnerie in April and May 1916 and at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm later that year (Wiki. 11th Bn). King transferredto the Artillery and was promoted to Bombardier. 8.11.1916, to Corporal 27.7.1917 and to Sergeant 5.9.1917. He was mentioned in dispatches 5.3.1918 for his devotion and attention to duty during the Third Battle of Ypres. King was detached from the Artillery and transferred to the Australian Corps Pigeon School 4.3.1918. He rejoined his Unit 7.3.1918, was transferred to the Royal Artillery Cadet School as an Non Commissioned Officer (NCO and then to the Brighton Officers Cadet School. King returned to Australia on special leave.
Embarked for Australia per HT ‘Port Hocking’ D34 3.12.1918
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 27.1.1919.
Discharged 25.3.1919.
Final Rank Sergeant 3rd Artillery Field Artillery Brigade (FAB)
Medical Condition NK
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, mentioned in Dispatches
Citation in Dispatches 5.3.1918 for duty during Third Battle of Ypres.

'During the period 22nd September 1917 to 24th February 1918.
This NCO has shown considerable devotion and attention to duty. He has done most valuable work while in charge of the battery staff and consistent good service in maintaining communication in action. He has always carried out his duties with keenness and energy in every way has behaved in an exemplary manner. He has had continuous service with the AIF since August 1914.'
London Gazette 28.5.1918.

Notes Sydney was one of 3 King Brothers who enlisted in WW1. Bertie (SN 3076) returned, Harold (SN 416) was KIA.

Photo  S A King . Camp Chronicle 23.11.1916 p3
            HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph source AWM H16157
            Australian Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli. Photographer R.M. Bowman, photograph source AWM P2194.005
            Australian Artillery at Pozieres 1916.  Official British Photograph, source AWM EZ0141

Information Source
AWM H16157. HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial.
AWM P2194.005. Australian Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli. Photographer R.M. Bowman, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial.
AWM J02600. Artillery at Shellgreen Gallipoli 1915. Photograph donor Lt.-Col.A.M. Martyn, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial.
AWM EZ0141. Australian Artillery at Pozieres 1916.  Official British Photograph, sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial .
AWM Embarkation Roll- Sydney Alfred King
AWM Honours and Awards- Sydney Alfred King
Camp Chronicle (Midland)
Guildford Primary School Honour Roll
Guildford Volunteer Fire Brigade Honour Roll
Guildford War Memorial
London Gazette in AWM: B2455, King S A
NAA: B2455, King S A
Wise H. and Coy. Western Australian Post Office Directories. SLWA

11 Meadow St. Guildford. WA.

Associated Images