GRIMMOND, Harold Linden
| Service Number: | 630 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 20 March 1916, Enlisted in Claremont, Tasmania |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 40th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia , 10 May 1889 |
| Home Town: | Hobart, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Plasterer |
| Died: | Died suddenly at his residence , North Hobart, Tasmania, Australia , 27 February 1951, aged 61 years |
| Cemetery: |
Cornelian Bay Cemetery and Crematorium, Tasmania Scot, KK, Plot 105 |
| Memorials: | Hobart Roll of Honour |
World War 1 Service
| 20 Mar 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 630, 40th Infantry Battalion, Enlisted in Claremont, Tasmania | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1916: | Involvement Private, 630, 40th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '18' embarkation_place: Hobart embarkation_ship: HMAT Berrima embarkation_ship_number: A35 public_note: '' | |
| 1 Jul 1916: | Embarked Private, 630, 40th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Berrima, Hobart | |
| 6 Mar 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 40th Infantry Battalion | |
| 19 Nov 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, 40th Infantry Battalion | |
| 1 Apr 1918: | Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 40th Infantry Battalion | |
| 4 Jan 1919: | Promoted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 40th Infantry Battalion | |
| 4 Apr 1919: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 40th Infantry Battalion | |
| 12 May 1919: | Embarked AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 630, 40th Infantry Battalion, Embarked in England aboard S.S. Zealandia for return to Australia | |
| 12 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 630, 40th Infantry Battalion, Discharged in Hobart due to demobilisation |
Help us honour Harold Linden GRIMMOND's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Karan CAMPBELL-DAVIS
Harold Linden GRIMMOND was born on 10th May 1889 in Hobart, Tasmania to parents Alexander and Elizabeth Janet (nee HODSON) GRIMMOND.
A 26 year old single plasterer at the time, Harold enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Claremont, Tasmania on 20th March 1916, and was allocated regimental number 630. After completing his recruit training at Claremont, he was assigned to C Company of the newly raised 40th Infantry Battalion. On 1st July 1916 Harold embarked with his Unit in Hobart aboard HMAT "Berrima" for active service overseas.
Upon arrival in England on 22nd August 1916, the 40th Battalion commenced intensive training at Lark Hill, before proceeding to France in November, with the rest of the 3rd Division. On 6th March 1917, Harold was promoted to Lance Corporal, and took part in his first major battle 3 months later, the Battle of Messines. The 40th Battalion lost over 350 men killed or wounded during this action. Their next major battle came four months later, on 4th October, during the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge, and continued a week later with follow up attacks at Passchendaele, where they again suffered heavy casualties.
Harold was again promoted, to temporary Corporal, on 19th November 1917. On 7th December, he attended the 4th Army Musketry School's 3rd course for NCOs and Officers, during which he was awarded a medallion for best shot. He rejoined his Unit on 4th January 1918, and was promoted to Sergeant three months later. From August to September, the 40th Battalion assisted the Allies in driving the Germans back to the Hindenburg Line, before being withdrawn in October for rest, until the end of hostilities.
Harold was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 4th January 1919. He was again promoted, to Lieutenant, on 4th April, before embarking in England for return to Australia aboard the S.S. Zealandia, on 12th May. He was subsequently discharged from the AIF in Hobart on 12th September 1919, and added to the Reserve of Officers list. Harold was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service.
Harold married Margaret Little GRIMMOND on 1st September 1919 at St Andrew's Manse, Hobart, and they later had a daughter, Gwen. They lived at 23 Swan Street North Hobart, which was where Harold died suddenly, aged 61, on 27th February 1951. He was buried in the Cornelian Bay Cemetery.
Compiled by Karan CAMPBELL-DAVIS from historical records kept by the National Archives of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Libraries Tasmania, Find A Grave website, and various newspaper articles on Trove.
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