Private Hugh Young
Hugh Young was born on 3 November 1900 at Ballyskeagh, Newtownards, County Down, the seventh of eight children of farmer Hugh Young and his wife Sarah Boyd Young (née Gibson). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Ballyskeagh with his parents and his five surviving siblings.
Young enlisted in the North Irish Horse on 13 May 1918 (Corps of Hussars No.72095). He trained at the Antrim reserve camp until 5 January 1919, when he re-enlisted with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays) (regimental number 31285 – later Army number 391125).
He was discharged on 12 February 1923, having reached the rank of farrier. His military character was recorded as 'very good'.
Two months later, on 23 April, Young emigrated to Australia, sailing from London on SS Borda. By 1937 he was living at 17 Wellington Street, Maylands, Perth, with his wife Jessie, and working as a labourer.
Young enlisted in the Australian Army on 11 June 1941 (No. WX14050). He gave his occupation as fitter's assistant and his age as 38 (understating his true age by two years). Posted to the 2/5 Infantry Battalion in Egypt, he returned to Australia with the battalion soon after, before being sent to join the fighting in New Guinea. He was killed in action during mopping-up operations at Wau on 6 February 1943, and is buried in the Lae War Cemetery, plot G, row B, grave 1. The headstone reads:
WX1450 PRIVATE
H. YOUNG
2/5 INFANTRY BATTALION A.I.F.
6TH FEBRUARY 1943 AGE 42
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN
AND IN THE MORNING WE'LL REMEMBER
Lae War Cemetery
Two notices placed in the West Australian newspaper, on 3 March 1943 and 6 February 1947, are worth reproducing here:
YOUNG. – A tribute to the memory of Pat, dearly beloved husband of my Pal, Jessie. Ever remembered by Jack (AIF) and Nell Pitcher.
YOUNG (Hugh). – In proud memory of Pat, killed in action, Wau, February 6, 1943, loving husband of Jessie, devoted daddy of John and Norman.
His life a beautiful memory,
His absence a silent grief.
Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Images of Private Young from his AIF service file.