KELSO, David Leslie (1894-1964)
KELSO, David Leslie (1894-1964)
David Leslie Kelso was born on 14 February 1894, the son of David Kelso and Christina nee McDonald, graziers near Coleraine. He boarded at Geelong College from 1908 departing in 1909. He was enrolled by David Kelso who listed his address as 'Wetterau', Coleraine. He was listed in the 1908 Annual Report Prize list as gaining 1st Prize in the Junior Division for Boarders Scripture
He was working in the pastoral industry prior to his enlistment (No 402) in the 8th Light Horse (C Squadron), AIF on 14 September 1914 during World War I. He embarked on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on 25 February 1915, and served in Egypt. He then embarked from Alexandria to Gallipoli on 16 May. He was evacuated from there suffering enteric fever two days before the attack at 'The Nek', which probably saved his life, as his regiment was almost wiped out there. He lost two stone in three months while on the Gallipoli Peninsula, necessitating his return to Australia.
He was one of the Geelong Collegian Light Horsemen photographed at The Sphinx in Egypt. This photograph was sent to the school by Major Ernest Albert Edward Gregory (1882-1915) from Egypt before he embarked for Gallipoli. Kelso was at the graveside when his Major Gregory, a school contemporary, was buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery, Anzac. Kelso returned to Australia, embarking on 3 September 1915 on HMT Ulysses, and was discharged from the AIF on 18 January 1916.
David Kelso died in 1964.
David Leslie Kelso was born on 14 February 1894, the son of David Kelso and Christina nee McDonald, graziers near Coleraine. He boarded at Geelong College from 1908 departing in 1909. He was enrolled by David Kelso who listed his address as 'Wetterau', Coleraine. He was listed in the 1908 Annual Report Prize list as gaining 1st Prize in the Junior Division for Boarders Scripture
He was working in the pastoral industry prior to his enlistment (No 402) in the 8th Light Horse (C Squadron), AIF on 14 September 1914 during World War I. He embarked on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on 25 February 1915, and served in Egypt. He then embarked from Alexandria to Gallipoli on 16 May. He was evacuated from there suffering enteric fever two days before the attack at 'The Nek', which probably saved his life, as his regiment was almost wiped out there. He lost two stone in three months while on the Gallipoli Peninsula, necessitating his return to Australia.
He was one of the Geelong Collegian Light Horsemen photographed at The Sphinx in Egypt. This photograph was sent to the school by Major Ernest Albert Edward Gregory (1882-1915) from Egypt before he embarked for Gallipoli. Kelso was at the graveside when his Major Gregory, a school contemporary, was buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery, Anzac. Kelso returned to Australia, embarking on 3 September 1915 on HMT Ulysses, and was discharged from the AIF on 18 January 1916.
David Kelso died in 1964.
Source
Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p227 (citing The Pegasus; National Archives.)