Aanesen, PTE Olaf Gerhard
Private Olaf Aanesen (1889-1943), labourer and soldier was born in Kragero, Norway, son of Nike Aanesen. He married Marie Aanesen, but “abandoned” her and moved to Western Australia on the 4th June 1914. He arrived at Albany aboard the S.S. Perth.
In July 1914 he was cautioned for drunkenness at York, Wheatbelt, WA. He then lived in Holyoake for 4 months (Near Dwellingup, Peel, W.A.). Greenhills (Near York, Wheatbelt, W.A.). York, Wheatbelt, W.A. and along the Albany Road for 6 months. Nara Tara Lead mine for 6 months (Near Northampton, Mid West, W.A.). Day Dawn, Mid West, W.A. For 3 months and Perth for a short time.
He was made a British Subject in 1916 and enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force a year later. Aanesen had been residing in Day Dawn, Mid West, WA and Perth around this time and was commended in the local newspaper for volunteering to fight.
When applying for British Naturalisation he was questioned by Major Corbet of the Intelligence Section W.A. And Constable Warren from the York Police Station.
“Aanesen is quiet and reserved as a rule, though inclined to be violent when under the influence of drink. He said that he would fight the Germans if they interfered with Norway. He has not been heard to say anything unfavourable to the Allies”.
Alan Morrison, Head Teacher of the school house at Day Dawn was his reference for Naturalisation.
Aanesen was part of the 8th Reinforcements, 44th Battalion which left the state in the middle of 1917. Aanesen fought through all the important battles of 1918 without suffering any casualty from combat. On his return trip to Australia, he suffered from Syphilis. He was discharged from the AIF at the end of 1919.
In December 1923 he purchased a lease in “Melbourne, WA”. He was thought to have died sometime during the mid 1920s, in his early thirties. The Consul-General of Norway reached out to Australia about claiming the estate. However, it seems that he lived in New South Wales throughout the 1930s/40s, working as a dealer, eventually passing away in Marrickville in 1943 at the age of 54.
Aanesen was an Australian soldier who was an expert in close combat,
He was physically and mentally tough, compassionate and courageous,
He led by example, he strove to take the initiative,
He was committed to learning and working for the team,
He believed in trust, loyalty and respect for his country, his mates and the Army,
The rising sun was his badge of honour,
He is an Australian soldier, Always!
Record completed by Luca Muir Anderson
Sources
National Archives of Australia – 35323
National Archives of Australia – 749986
National Archives of Australia – 3016287
The Westralian Battalion (Wes Olsen) – P.411
Eastern Districts Chronicle – 17/07/1914 P.4
The Murchison and Day Dawn Gazette – 02/03/1917 P.3
Sunday Times – 16/12/1923 P.19
Record completed by Luca Muir Anderson
