FARRELL, John Herbert
| Service Number: | 2612 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 June 1915, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 6th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Panmure, Victoria, April 1889 |
| Home Town: | Garvoc, Corangamite, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Butcher |
| Died: | Natural Causes, Caulfield, Victoria, 28 September 1938 |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 17 Jun 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2612, 6th Infantry Battalion, Melbourne, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Aug 1915: | Involvement Private, 2612, 6th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '8' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Anchises embarkation_ship_number: A68 public_note: '' | |
| 4 Oct 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2612, 6th Infantry Battalion, Broodseinde Ridge | |
| 9 Jul 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Corporal, 2612, 6th Infantry Battalion, "Peaceful Penetration - Low-Cost, High-Gain Tactics on the Western Front" | |
| 13 Jan 1920: | Discharged AIF WW1, Corporal, 2612, 6th Infantry Battalion |
WW1
The details provided are taken from the book "Stealth Raiders - a few daring men in 1918" written by Lucas Jordan, published 2017, refer to pages 149 & 266. Prior to the war he was a Butcher of Garvoc Vic. He enlisted 23rd June 1915 aged 26 years. He served with the 55th Infantry Battalion, rising to the rank of Sergeant, and being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal twice. He survived the war and departed the UK for home 5th January 1919.
Submitted 10 February 2020 by Maxwell HILL
Awarded the DCM
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Lihous on 9 August 1918. He was the only man of his section left, so he attached himself to another company, taking charge of a gun section which had lost its leader. At the head of his section he stormed a strong post in a quarry, driving the enemy out. Although wounded, he continued in control of his men until he was again wounded, and had to be carried off the field.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919
Submitted 21 March 2018 by Steve Larkins
Awarded the Military Medal at Broodseinde Ridge
'On 4/5th October, 1917 during the attack on BROODSEINDE Ridge east of YPRES this man showed great bravery and skill in the use of his Lewis Gun in the attack on a strong point in the road. He succeeded in preventing the enemy machine guns from causing damage and continued to use his gun after he had been wounded through the side. His gallant action did much towards the capture of this Strong Point. He remained on duty until the Battalion was relieved when he evacuated.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918
Submitted 21 March 2018 by Steve Larkins
Biography
"...2612 Corporal John Herbert Farrell, 6th Battalion, formerly a butcher of Garvoc, Vic. Awarded the Military Medal, 4-5 October 1917; Distinguished Conduct Medal, 9 August 1918; bar to Military Medal, 9-10 July 1918. Cpl Farrell died 28 September 1938." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)
"A.I.F. REUNIONS Comrade's Death
Show Eve always has provided an opportunity for former war comrades to assemble in a spirit of happy camaraderie. Last night nearly a score of units held reunions in the city. The 6th Battalion publication prints annually an exploit of one of its members. This year Sergeant J. H. Farrell was chosen. For his capture of a German machine-gun post and the men with it he was awarded a bar to his Military Medal, and before he was wounded he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry. After a long struggle in hospital he returned to Australia. "A strafe never seemed so bad when you shared a dugout with him." So his battalion honoured a stricken comrade. Yesterday Sergeant Farrell died at the Caulfield Military Hospital." - from the Melbourne Argus 29 Sep 1938 (nla.gov.au)
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