Albert Ernest, or Alby as he was more commonly known was born in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide on the 28th of November 1938. His parents were Albert Edward and Jane Catherine. His early schooling was at Marist Brothers College in Alberton near Port Adelaide. Like so many of the young men of his time he sold newspapers outside the Alberton Hotel from the age of 14.
On the 3rd of July 1958, Alby enlisted in the Australian Regular Army and was allocated to Artillery (RAA). After initial employment training at North Head, Alby was posted to Holsworthy and 102 Battery. He deployed with the battery to the Malay Peninsula as a sergeant in 1964 – 65 and later in Borneo with the same battery.
Before leaving Australia, Alby married Anne Shirley Gynn in the Army Chapel at Holsworthy in 1962. Their first child Suzanne Maree was born in 1966 at Fairfield Hospital in Sydney.
In 1967/68 Alby was posted to the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill. In 1985 he was to return to the UK with a posting to the Proof Establishment at Shoeburyness in the UK. On return to Australia he was posted as an Assistant Instructor Gunnery (AIG) at the School of Artillery at North Head. It was during this posting that their second child Alan Albert was born at Mona Vale Hospital.
Subsequent postings included Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) of 103rd Batter at Holsworthy, 107 Field Battery, 13 Battery before returning to the School of Artillery on promotion to Warrant Officer Class 1 as Master Gunner in 1981.
Alby was commissioned Captain through the Prescribed Service Officer (PSO) scheme and took up his final posting at the Proof and Experimental Establishment at Port Wakefield in South Australia. Alby discharge from the in 1986 after 28 years’ service.
Post Army, Alby worked as a civilian for the Navy in South Australia and became heavily involved with the Central District Rugby League Club where his son Alan was playing. He eventually took on the role of President of the club.
Grandchildren were to follow with Joshua and Sarah both born in 1991. Their third grandchild Adam was born in 1995. During 1997 Alby had his share of personal medical issues and had two strokes and was diagnosed with a heart disease. He lost his beloved wife Shirley to lung cancer in 2000. Alby had more health issues over the next few years with a stint of prostate cancer and two hip replacements.
Alby was an avid golfer and a member of the Gawler Golf Club at Sandy Creek for nearly 20 years. He was also a member of the City of Fairfield RSL Memorial Club. He was a devote catholic and a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. His funeral was held at the Smithfield Funeral Parlour on the 11th of March 2014. He was 75. Around 30 ex service personnel attended his funeral and paid their last respects with a poppy ceremony.
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