Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The details provided are taken from the book "Just Soldiers" written by WO1 Darryl Kelly, published 2004. refer to chapter 31, pages 201 to 210. Lived at Creswick Vic. He was only 5 foot, 5 inches tall but very determined. He enlisted 16 Nov 1914 and allocated to the Light Horse, but they rejected him due to his height. Transferred to the 5th Infantry Battalion, and left for Egypt 2nd Feb 1915. Landed at Gallipoli 25th Apr and suffered his first battle wound 30th Apr, a facial wound and evacuated back to Egypt. Returned to Gallipoli 22nd May, and suffered a further wound 14th Aug. A hand grenade exploded nearby and gave him shrapnel which need special treatment. Evacuated to the UK for this treatment, and eventually released for duty and arrived back at the Unit after the evacuation from Gallipoli. The Battalion was split, and he was transferred to the 57th Infantry Battalion, and then on to the 58th. He became a stretcher bearer. Mid July 1916 saw him at the western front battle of Fromelles. Again wounded 29th Sep 17, by a German sniper, a leg wound, and another evacuation to UK for treatment. In March 1918 he was at the battle of Messines where he did more hard work as a stretcher bearer. One such sortie saw his mate blown to pieces by a German shell, so he continued on doing his work - for which he was awarded a Military Medal. October 1918 saw the Unit at Bellicourt with more heavy work for the stretcher bearers. Two men were stranded in no man's land and he ventured out, two separate trips, to rescue and save them. Brigadier "Pompey" Elliott personally signed the recommendation for the second award for the Military Medal, and it was presented to him at Buckingham Palace by the King. The war ended, he came home, but had trouble settling into civilian life. Worked at odd jobs. Met and married Frances and had children. Years on, his health began to suffer, and at age 70 he died of pulmonary pneumonia. Rest In Peace. Lest We Forget