Heckrath, CA
(1886 - 1916)
Key Facts
DATE OF BIRTH:
22nd March 1886
YEARS ATTENDED THE COLLEGE:
1898 - 1900
HOME ADDRESS WHEN AT THE COLLEGE:
52 Alleyn Road, West Dulwich
REGIMENT
26th Battalion, Australian Infantry, Australian Imperial Forces
FINAL RANK:
Private
DATE OF DEATH:
14th November 1916
AGE AT DEATH:
30
WHERE HE DIED (or was wounded)
France
LOCATION OF GRAVE OR MEMORIAL:
Villers-Bretonneux Memorial
Private Cyril Alfred Heckrath
Born on March 22nd 1886, Cyril was the son of diamond merchant Edmund Heckrath and his wife, Elizabeth. Having joined the College in 1898, Cyril was in the Cadets for two years before leaving in 1900 while a member of the Lower 3rd. Upon leaving, he trained as a farmer for a year before becoming a Clerk. In 1903, however, at the age of 17, he gave this up, sailing from Liverpool to Australia, going on the settle in Tasmania. By 1914, he was a fruit farmer and owned a small store in the town of Bridport.
After the outbreak of war, Cyril went on to join up with the Australian Infantry in March 1915. He was shipped out to France and served for a year. Unfortunately, on 14th November 1916 he was killed in action, leaving behind his wife, Mabel, and three children. He is memorialised at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.
