PANWICK, James
| Service Number: | 149 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 7 December 1915, West Kent Volunteers |
| Last Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 34th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, United Kingdom, November 1881 |
| Home Town: | Gunnedah, Gunnedah, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Bricklayer |
| Died: | Natural Causes, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, 1958 |
| Cemetery: |
Sandgate General Cemetery, Newcastle, NSW ANGLICAN 1-21. 56. Grave renovated by DVA 9/2022 |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 7 Dec 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 149, 34th Infantry Battalion, West Kent Volunteers | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May 1916: | Involvement Private, 149, 34th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '17' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Hororata embarkation_ship_number: A20 public_note: '' | |
| 2 May 1916: | Embarked Private, 149, 34th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Hororata, Sydney | |
| 6 Jun 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 149, 34th Infantry Battalion, Battle of Messines, SW to right thigh | |
| 7 Sep 1918: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 34th Infantry Battalion | |
| 12 Aug 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 149, 34th Infantry Battalion, 2nd MD |
About James Panwick
James was born in England but enrolled with the 34th probably at it's inception and likely Gunnedah.
After surviving some of the fiercest actions of the 34th's history, James lived in Newcastle, NSW until his death in 1958.
He died a pauper, as many would have, and was buried at Sandgate cemetery.
Mostly unknown to his family except his brother Jesse, James appeared to remain a bachelor through to his death hence, no remaining family or succession.
James is not known but remembered by family of his brother and revered as a gentleman hero.
Submitted 24 November 2014 by Bob Doherty
Biography contributed by Evan Evans
From Gary Mitchell, Sandgate Cemetery
Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.
64 years ago today, on the 3rd March 1958, Lance Corporal James Panwick, 34th Battalion (Reg No-149), bricklayer and labourer from Gunnedah, New South Wales and Dudley Home for the Aged, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 77. ANGLICAN 1-21. 56.
Born at Speldhurst, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom (Oct - Dec 1881) to Jessie and Annie Panwick nee Allen, James enlisted December 1915 at Gunnedah, N.S.W.
Wounded in action - 7.6.1917 (bullet in the right thigh on the morning of the mines detonation, Battle of Messines).
Admitted to hospital 18.10.1917 (septic feet).
James returned home June 1919, being discharged on the 12th August 1919.
Mr. Panwick’s name has been inscribed on the Gunnedah & District WW1 Honour Rolls (photos).
Many thanks to David Harrower for the notification and photos of James’s War Medal.
I placed a cross at James’s unmarked grave October 2015, and submitted an application to DVA May 2020 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip, and this was accepted July 2020.
Completed September 2021. Honour and Dignity restored.
Many thanks to Bob Doherty for the family photo and family history.
To Australia 1898 per “Cuzco” (as Panick).
1915, Brother Jesse at Gunnedah (interesting to note that Jesse’s name inscribed on Honour Roll but no record of service).
Lest We Forget.
Click images to start slideshow.