Olson, PTE Gustaf Adolf

Gustaf Adolf Olson (1886-1954), timber faller, sailor and soldier, was born in Westergoland, Sweden, son of Peter Olson. Olson spent his childhood and early adult life in Sweden and immigrated to Western Australia on the 23rd of October 1911 at the age of 24. He immediately began working in the timber industry, living in Hoffman Bush for 6 months before making a permanent residence in Jarrahdale. In 1915, Gustaf Olson became an Australian citizen after being a resident for four years.

Gustaf Olson enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 12th of January 1916, at the age of 29 and was posted to the 1st Reinforcements, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in June 1916 and arrived at the front lines in November 1916.

Arrived in Fremantle, Australia from Sweden on the 23rd of October 1911. 6 months in Hoffman Bush, 3 1/2 years in Jarrahdale. 4 years before citizenship. 1915 citizen. On the 1st of August 1917, during the Battle of Messines, Private Olson was shot in the left arm, right ankle and both legs and was medically evacuated to hospital. After 6 months recovering, he rejoined the 44th Battalion and fought with them in all the battles of 1918 until the end of the war.

During the war, Private Olson had fought in 10 battles and spent a very long period of 524 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Wound Stripe, Active Service Badge, 2 Good Conduct Stripes and 2 Long Service Stripes.

After the war, Olson returned to Western Australia and eventually moved to the port city of Fremantle, working as a seaman well into his 50s. Gustaf Olson passed away in Fremantle on the 12th of July 1954 at the age of 67 and was buried in Karrakatta Cemetery.

Notes

Offence: AWL for 1 day whilst in hospital. 3 days Field Punishment No. 2 and forfeiture of 4 days’ pay.

Sources

National Archives of Australia

AIF Project

The West Australian 12/07/1954, P.28

Electoral Rolls of Western Australia