STABBACK, John William
| Service Numbers: | 8107, NX128598 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 June 1915, Sydney |
| Last Rank: | Captain |
| Last Unit: | 2 Garrison Battalion (NSW) |
| Born: | Orange, New South Wales, Australia, 13 April 1894 |
| Home Town: | Randwick, Randwick, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | St, Stanislaus College, Bathurst & Christian Brothers, Waverley, NSW |
| Occupation: | Chemist, later Theatre Manager |
| Died: | Natural causes, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia, 30 June 1976, aged 82 years |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Orange Patrician Brothers' Old Boys Union Great War Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 17 Jun 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 8107, Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Oct 1915: | Involvement Private, 8107, 2nd Australian General Hospital, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '23' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Port Lincoln embarkation_ship_number: A17 public_note: '' | |
| 13 Oct 1915: | Embarked Private, 8107, 2nd Australian General Hospital, HMAT Port Lincoln, Sydney | |
| 14 Oct 1915: | Involvement Private, 8107, 2nd Australian General Hospital, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '23' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Port Lincoln embarkation_ship_number: A17 public_note: '' | |
| 14 Oct 1915: | Embarked Private, 8107, 2nd Australian General Hospital, HMAT Port Lincoln, Sydney | |
| 14 Mar 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, Australian Army Medical Corps WW1, Attached to 48th Battalion | |
| 6 Dec 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 48th Infantry Battalion | |
| 6 Dec 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 48th Infantry Battalion | |
| 8 Mar 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 48th Infantry Battalion | |
| 24 Aug 1917: | Honoured Military Cross, Battle of Messines, For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 7 June 1917 at Messines when leading his company over very diffcult ground which had not been reconnoitred and the following afternoon, in daylight, over the open, succeeded in recapturing a portion of the front line from the enemy under heavy machine gun and sniper fire, subsequently consolidating the position. | |
| 23 Nov 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 48th Infantry Battalion, Appointment terminated in England. Service medal received: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal. |
World War 2 Service
| 21 Oct 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, NX128598, 2 Garrison Battalion (NSW) | |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Mar 1945: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, NX128598, 2 Garrison Battalion (NSW) |
Help us honour John William Stabback's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by VWM Australia
He served initially with the 48th Battalion on the Western Front and ended up on the General Staff with then Col. John Gellibrand.
In his comprehensive autobiography he mentioned that, as a Corporal stretcher bearer he carried the severely injured Albert Jacka off the battlefield at Pozieres. He commented that "I did not think I would get him in alive". Additionally, he commented That "Jacka was, without doubt, the bravest man I ever knew. I reckon he should have received a decoration every time he went into the line".
In addition to his Military Cross earned at Messines on 7 June 1917 for "gallantry and devotion to duty", he was awarded the Russian Order of St. George for his actions at Poziers in 1916".
"Skipper's" medals are now held in the Army Museum at Bandiana, Victoria.
Provided by George Webster
Click images to start slideshow.