Aboriginal serviceman's war gratuity paid to 'Protector of Aborigines'

Letter confirming status of payment of war gratuity.

Transcript

[Letterhead for 'AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. – 4^th MILITARY DISTRICT.', 'KESWICK BARRACKS, Adelaide'.]

D.C.R. 483/3/595.

IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE 3274

19^th April, 1922.

AP/VC.

Officer-in-charge,

BASE RECORDS,

Victoria Barracks,

MELBOURNE.

1. With reference to your Memo. Of 12^th April regarding disposal of WAR MEDALS [underline in red pencil] of the late No. 2230 Pte. A/ McKINNON, 43^rd Btn. [end underline] – I would like to advise that since the 15^th July, 1921, the date of your original Memo., two replies have been forwarded to you on the subject. Your last minute requested information as to whom the Gratuity was paid. This has not yet been settled, the papers being with the Central Board in Melbourne. The aboriginal "Cobb" has applied for the Gratuity, but it is improbable same will be paid to her. It is understood the amount may be paid to the Protector of Aboriginees [sic] in this State.

2. I am of opinion that the WAR MEDALS would not be valued by "Cobb", and would suggest that they be awarded to Mrs. Mary McKinnon, Stepmother, of Newtown, KADINA.

[Handwritten signature:] J. W. Page

Major.

Staff Corps.

4^thDISTRICT BASE COMMANDANT.

[Stamp in purple ink, bottom left corner: 'BASE RECORDS', 'APR 24 1922', 'RECEIVED'.]

[Illegible handwritten initials in pencil, dated '24/4'.]

[Annotation in purple ink:]

War Medals Etc to Step mother under bond

JW Major

Officer i/c [in charge] Base Records

15/5/22

About this record

Alexander McKinnon was an Aboriginal serviceman who was killed in action during the First World War. In South Australia, the Aborigines Act 1911 could prevent the next of kin from inheriting an Aboriginal serviceman's gratuity and medals.

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