Mercer, CPL Andrew Haddon

Andrew Haddon Mercer (1891-1977), farmer and soldier, was born in Moonta, SA, Australia to Alfred & Sarah Mercer. He had 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

He was a prominent member of the York community as early as 1912, being the secretary of the local chapter of the Independent Order of Rechabites. In 1915, he obtained a 300-acre property near York.

Mercer enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 18th April 1916 and was Initially set to join the 28th Battalion. However, he was sent to NCO school until September 1916 and promoted to the rank of Corporal. He then joined the 6th Reinforcements, 44th Battalion and reverted to the rank of Private.

Mercer spent a large part of 1917 training in England and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. He joined the 44th Battalion at the front lines in October 1917 and was reverted back to Private again before being promoted to Lance Corporal in August 1918. Promoted to Corporal after the war in March 1919 and given 3 months paid leave to study engineering in England.

During the war he had fought in 12 battles and served at the front lines for 398 days.

In 1921, his premises in Subiaco was broken into. Mercer continued to be an active member of the York community, organising the York Flower Show. He was also a prominent musician in the local churches.

Mercer died in 1977 at the age of 85.

Record completed by Luca Muir Anderson

Sources

Geni.com

National Archives of Australia

The West Australian (12/03/1915, P.6)

The Daily News (8/11/1921, P.7)

York Chronicle (4/09/1952, P.3)