COUSINS, George Oriel
| Service Number: | 3031 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 11 September 1916 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 51st Infantry Battalion (WW1) |
| Born: | Dongara Western Australia, September 1892 |
| Home Town: | Geraldton, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Stockman |
| Died: | Hit by MG rounds in chest, France, 25 April 1918 |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" He is remembered on the Villers Bretonneux War Memorial, with approximately 11,000 other Australians that have no known grave from the Great War., Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Dongara War Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux Memorial (Australian National Memorial - France), Walkaway Irwin and Greenough and Districts Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 11 Sep 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3031, 51st Infantry Battalion (WW1) | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Nov 1916: | Involvement Private, 3031, 51st Infantry Battalion (WW1), --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '19' embarkation_place: Fremantle embarkation_ship: HMAT Argyllshire embarkation_ship_number: A8 public_note: '' | |
| 9 Nov 1916: | Embarked Private, 3031, 51st Infantry Battalion (WW1), HMAT Argyllshire, Fremantle |
Help us honour George Oriel Cousins's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From In Search of Charles Albert Stokes DCM
George Oriel Cousins was born at Dongara in 1892 in the Irwin District.
He enlisted into the AIF in September 1916 aged 24 years, recording his occupation as “Stockman”.
He was originally transferred to 44th battalion, but in November 1916 was transferred to the 51st battalion. Embarking from Fremantle in the November 1916, arriving England in January 1917.
He conducted training in England before been sent to France in April 1917, joining 51st battalion in the field in May 1917. He return to England for leave during 1917.
On the 24th April 1918, George was involved in the now famous counter attack on Villers Bretonneux. He was attached to B Company, 7th Platoon.
The counter attack took place at 10.10pm. George was advancing with his company to the right of C company, who were closet to the woods.
It is recorded that at about 10.30 pm as the attack was continuing towards the battalions goal of Monument Wood, when George was struck by German machine gun fire from the woods on their left flank. George fell to the ground still conscious, but the bullet had hit his spine. First aid was attempted to be rendered but George died before his equipment could be removed.
He was buried on the battlefield, with other 51st battalion killed in action, however he has no known grave. It can only be presumed he is one of the many unknown 51st buried in Adelaide Cemetery.
He is remembered on the Villers Bretonneux War Memorial, with approximately 11 000 other Australians that have no known grave from the Great War.
Naomi and I are currently visiting the Irwin District, visiting the Shire of Mingenew, where I saw your name listed on the Honour Roll for the Irwin District.
Private George Cousins you have not been forgotten.
God Bless You.
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