Alan Ibbotson was born in Coventry, England and was a Farmer by trade when he enlisted from Ballarat in the 59th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement on 17 February 1916 at the age of 28. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 16 December 1916. He was attached to the 15th Training Battalion at Hurdcott before attending the School of Musketry at Tidworth. In September 1917 he was transferred to the 59th Battalion in France. On April 24th 1918 he was wounded in action at Villers-Bretonneux, suffering a gunshot wound to the face. His wound was mild, and he was able to rejoin his unit within a month.

In July he was again in action, displaying gallantry that was rewarded with a Military Medal - 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at VILLE-sur-ANCRE, south West of ALBERT, on 4th July 1918. During an attack on the enemy's position, when Corporal IBBOTSON's Company officers had become casualties, he took charge of the remnants of two platoons, re-organised them, and successfully attacked an enemy strong point, capturing a machine gun. His initiative and gallant conduct throughout contributed largely to the success of the operation'. Illness saw him in hospital at the time the Armistice was signed. He returned to Australia after the war, disembarking from the Delta, in Melbourne, on March 2nd 1919.
Tree No. 3752