Alfred Salenger facts for kids
Alfred Theodore Salenger (1879–1961) was an Australian inventor and businessman. He became famous for helping to create a special bomb-thrower. This invention was used during World War I in trench warfare. He was the very first Australian to receive a special award called the Order of the British Empire for his brave work. Alfred was also a partner in a jewellery business in Sydney.
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Early Life of Alfred Salenger
Alfred Salenger was born in Victoria, Australia, in 1879. His father, Julius Salenger, was a warehouseman. His mother was Evelyn Beaver. Alfred came from a family of inventors and business owners. His grandfather, Louis Beaver, owned jewellery stores in Manchester, England. Alfred's uncle, Isidor George Beaver, was a well-known architect.
Alfred Salenger's Career
Alfred Salenger was a partner in a company called Salenger Bros. They were wholesale jewellers located on George Street in Sydney.
Inventing for World War I
In 1916, Alfred started working with Lieutenant W. H. Gregory Geake. Lieut. Geake had invented an improved bomb-thrower. This device was very important for soldiers fighting in trenches. Alfred and Lieut. Geake traveled from Sydney to England. They arrived on February 1, 1917.
They worked on many inventions for the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) Research Section. This section was part of the British Munitions Inventions Department. Their workplace was at Claremont Park in Esher. The people in this section were known as the "Safety Seconds." They earned this name because they put getting results ahead of their own safety.
A Brave Act and Injury
During one experiment, a fire started. Alfred Salenger bravely worked to stop the fire. However, there was an explosion. This accident caused him to lose some fingers. His other arm was also badly injured. He had to stay in the hospital for two months. He was cared for at Kingston Infirmary in Surrey. Many injured soldiers were also treated there.
After the accident, Colonel Henry Edward Fane Goold-Adams, who was in charge of Munitions Inventions, wrote to Alfred. He told Alfred that his injury was a great credit to him. He said it was as honorable as if he had been injured by the enemy in battle.
Supporting War Veterans
Salenger Bros. also worked as agents for National Diamond Factories. This company was based in London. Sir Bernard Oppenheimer started a special program. It trained soldiers who were disabled in the war. Many of these veterans had lost limbs. They learned valuable skills like cutting and polishing diamonds.
Order of the British Empire Award
In 1918, Alfred Salenger received a special award. It was called the Order of the British Empire. He was honored for his "courage and self-sacrifice." This means he was very brave and put others first. He volunteered for dangerous experiments, which led to his injury.
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British award. It recognizes people who have made great contributions. These contributions can be in arts, sciences, charity work, or public service. King George V created this award on June 4, 1917. Alfred Salenger was the first Australian ever to receive it. He received his award on May 29, 1918, in Kingston Town Hall. The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Lord Ashcombe (Henry Cubitt, 2nd Baron Ashcombe), presented the award to him.
Alfred Salenger's Family Life
Alfred Salenger married Ursula May Hutchison in 1912 in Sydney. They later divorced in 1931. In 1947, he married Maud Zell in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
Alfred Salenger passed away on April 5, 1961, at the age of 81. He is buried at the Rookwood Necropolis in Sydney.
