Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

John Adam Menz

Service No. 2618

John Adam Menz was born on the 6th of August 1894 at Chain of Ponds SA, however, he grew up in Norwood. His Parents George Adam MENZ and Mary Annie Menz, lived at 25 Hutchinson Street Torrensvile SA.  John and his family were Methodists and he worked as a clerk in Norwood. John decided to sign up for the war on the 29th of May 1916. John's Father died on 14 February 1923 and his Mother died in June 10 years later.

John enlisting at a young age of 21 years and 5 months, being only 5 foot 6 inches and weighing 66 kilograms he was announced fit for active service. Johns unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A16 Port Melbourne on 23 October 1916, arriving in Devonport England 5 days later. Private John embarked for the 50th Battalion, 6th reinforcement and became an instructor at bombing school. Private John was admitted sick on the 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th of March 1917.

On the 5th of September 1917, Private John and his battalion where called upon to travel overseas to France. Then on the 14th of September Private John was proceeded to join the 50th Battalion. 2 days later he was taken on strength against the Germans in Belgium at the western front. During 10 days with the 50th Battalion John was killed in action on the 26th of September 1917 by a hand grenade that flew into their trenches at Westhoek Ridge, Belgium.

Private John's parents received his 2 war medals - the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. They also received the Commemorative Medallion and scroll. Even though he has no known grave, he’s placed at the Australian War Memorial and his Roll of Honour is 151. He is also remembered at The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 29), Belgium. 

In conclusion, John Adam Menz died at a very young age of 23 and died fighting for his country. He fought alongside his mates in the 50th Battalion and had a very small time fighting at the western front which was only 10 days. 

"...2618 Private John Adam Menz, 50th Battalion. A clerk from Norwood, South Australia, prior to enlistment, he embarked as a Provisional Corporal with the 6th Reinforcements from Adelaide on 23 October 1916 aboard HMAT Port Melbourne (A16) for Devonport, England, where he reverted to the rank of Pte. He was again appointed to the rank of Cpl while attending the Bombing School at Codford and then reverted to the rank of Pte on embarkation for France. Pte Menz joined his battalion on the Western Front near Steenvorde, France, on 15 September 1917 and was killed in action 11 days later at Westhoek Ridge. He has no known grave and he is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. He was aged 22 years." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)