A World War I recruiting poster from 1915.

Albert Borella, fourth from left, second back row. To join the Australian Imperial Forces in World War I, Borella journeyed 1000km from Tennant Creek to Darwin.

C Company, 26 Battalion, 1st AIF. Private ALbert Borella is sitting first in the front row. Albert Borella went on to receive a Victoria Cross for gallantry, in 1918.

Albert Borella (back, at left) was amoung the first 15 Northern Territory volunteers to the Australian Imperial Forces.

Captain Albert Borella VC, 51st Australian Garrison Company (left), and Captain DW Witherden. Borella’s formidable strength of character was displayed on the battlefield and earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross in 1918 for valour in battle (in 1917), showing immense courage and leadership. He was one of only 64 Australian soldiers in WWI to receive this honour.

Albert Borella (centre) after his return to Australia in 1919, with his half brothers James (on left) and Charles (right).

Albert Borella’s enlistment form. Borella’s journey began by foot from Tennant Creek to Renner Springs, from where he rode by horseback to Katherine, before hitching a ride to Pine Creek on a horse-drawn mail coach, and finally catching the train to Darwin where he arrived six weeks later. Upon arriving in Darwin, after the huge journey, Borella found out he was unable to enlist because the military wasn’t accepting volunteers in the Northern Territory. So he went to Townsville to enlist.

A colour portrait of Albert Borella VC. The official account of his gallantry for receiving the Victoria Cross read: “Whilst leading his platoon, Lieutenant Borella ran out ahead of his men into a machine gun barrage from the Germans, with only his revolver, the Germans outnumbering his platoon by ten to one. His cool determination inspired his men to resist heroically, and the enemy were repulsed, with heavy losses.”

 Albert Borella VC, in Melbourne Anzac Day parade 1966.

Albert Borella was awarded the Victoria Cross in a ceremony at Sandringham, UK in September 1918. King George V presented him with the medallion.

A portrait of Albert Borella VC in the 1920s. Among his other military recognitions, Borella received the Military Medal and a Mention in Despatches, for his bravery on the battlefield. During World War II, Albert Borella served again, in Australia, and was promoted to Captain in 1942. Albert Borella VC, died on 7 February 1968 and was buried with full military honours at the Albury Presbyterian cemetery in New South Wales

The Borella Riders and Rowan Borella re-enacted Albert Borella’s 1000km journey from Tennant Creek to Darwin. From Left to Right Tim George on Providence Arminstice, Richard Borella on Willing Noble Bushranger, Rowan Borella on Willing Noble Comrad and Charlie Cloos on Willing Noble Bushranger. 24 February 2015.