Albert Mettam

23 years 7 monthsLieutenant Albert Frank Mettam, 7th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces, killed in action somewhere in France. Youngest son of William and brother of Alfred Mettam of Darwin.Mettam left Melbourne 26 November 1915 on board HMAT A73 'Commonwealth' as part of 7th Reinforcements 22nd Battalion which he joined 9 July 1915. He was transferred to 7th battalion 24 March 1916 and was appointed Lance Sergeant 24 November 1916. Mettam was wounded in action and suffered shell shock, 28 July 1916 and was discharged from hospital 21 August 1916. He was promoted to Corporal 5 October 1916 and then to Lance Sergeant 2 December 1916. Mettam was hospitalized suffering from trench foot and severe bronchitis 22 December 1916 and was repatriated to England for further treatment and recovery. After discharge from hospital Mettam was sent for training to Gas School at Durrington before moving to Windmill Hill for further training at Officer School. He was promoted to 2nd Lieut. and proceeded overseas to France 30 April 1918. Mettam was killed in action 15 May 1918. Out of nine cousins, all born in Auckland, who went to the war, five have been killed in action and two have been badly wounded. The remaining two were in the firing line at late advice.MinerAustralian Imperial Force7th Reinforcements 22nd Battalion 7th Battalio