S8164
BRAKENRIDGE, Hamilton James
| Service Numbers: | 4738, S72016 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 8 November 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Captain |
| Last Unit: | 6th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) |
| Born: | Solomontown, SA, 3 October 1894 |
| Home Town: | Port Pirie, Port Pirie City and Dists, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Port Pirie High School |
| Occupation: | Shop Assistant |
| Died: | most likely natural causes, Port Pirie, South Australia, 26 May 1980, aged 85 years |
| Cemetery: |
Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia |
| Memorials: | Port Pirie Presbyterian Church Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 8 Nov 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 4738, 10th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Mar 1916: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 4738, 10th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '10' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: RMS Mongolia embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: '' | |
| 20 May 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 50th Infantry Battalion, per svc record & RSL Membership card | |
| 26 Jul 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, 50th Infantry Battalion, Acting - confirmed 17 Apr 1917 | |
| 12 Aug 1916: | Involvement AIF WW1, Corporal, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion, Mouquet Farm | |
| 20 Mar 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Corporal, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion, The Outpost Villages - German Withdrawal to Hindenburg Line | |
| 2 Apr 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Corporal, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion, Noreuil | |
| 24 May 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 50th Infantry Battalion | |
| 30 Jul 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Sergeant, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion, Third Ypres | |
| 26 Sep 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Sergeant, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion, Polygon Wood, GSW Head (slight) - evacuated | |
| 24 Apr 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Company Sergeant Major, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion, German Spring Offensive 1918, 'During the operations at Villers-Bretonneux on the night of 24/25th April, 1918, this N.C.O. was conspicuous for his courage, coolness and devotion to duty. When all his officers had become casualties he at once took command of the company and showed great judgement in the selection of position, etc. He kept his company well in hand and in touch with the adjoining companies, and saw that the position selected was strongly consolidated. By his timely assumption of command, and the excellent spirit he displayed throughout, the morale of his men was maintained and his coolness, cheerfulness and energy set a spelndid example to all ranks.' | |
| 25 Apr 1918: | Honoured Military Medal, German Spring Offensive 1918, Villers Brettoneux 24/5 April 1918 | |
| 29 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Warrant Officer Class 2, 4738, 50th Infantry Battalion |
World War 2 Service
| 16 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, S72016, 6th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC), Port Pirie, SA | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 1942: | Involvement Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, S72016, 6th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC), Homeland Defence - Militia and non deployed forces | |
| 29 Nov 1945: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, S72016, 6th (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) |
Awarded the Military Medal for actions at Villers Brettoneux 24/5 April 1918
'During the operations at Villers-Bretonneux on the night of 24/25th April, 1918, this N.C.O. was conspicuous for his courage, coolness and devotion to duty. When all his officers had become casualties he at once took command of the company and showed great judgement in the selection of position, etc. He kept his company well in hand and in touch with the adjoining companies, and saw that the position selected was strongly consolidated. By his timely assumption of command, and the excellent spirit he displayed throughout, the morale of his men was maintained and his coolness, cheerfulness and energy set a spelndid example to all ranks.'
Submitted 31 March 2024 by Steve Larkins
Biography contributed by Modbury High School
On October 3, 1894, James Hamilton Brakenridge, who gained notoriety for his bravery and commitment during two world wars, was born in Solomontown, South Australia. Brakenridge worked as a store assistant before to enlisting in the military, a standard occupation at the period that gave him a reliable source of income and a sense of security.
On November 8, 1915, at the age of 21, Brakenridge volunteered in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Having been given the service number 4738, he joined the 10th Infantry Battalion as a Private. On March 9, 1916, his unit sailed from Adelaide to the front lines of World War I aboard the RMS Mongolia.
Brakenridge was sent to the 50th Infantry Battalion during the war, and because of his excellent behavior and leadership abilities, he advanced through the ranks fast. By May 24, 1917, he had been promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant. His noteworthy participation in pivotal conflicts like the Third Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Mouquet Farm demonstrated his valor and tactical savvy.
At Villers-Bretonneux in April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive, he experienced one of his most memorable moments. With all of his officers out of commission, Sergeant Brakenridge assumed leadership of his company on the night of April 24–25. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in making critical decisions, such as choosing advantageous locations and keeping his composure under duress. His bravery, composure, and commitment to duty were emphasized in the citation for his award, which greatly aided his company's performance throughout pivotal phases of the battle.
On September 29, 1919, Brakenridge was released from the AIF as a Warrant Officer Class 2 and went back to South Australia. But his service to his nation continued after World War I. Brakenridge returned to the armed forces at the start of World War II, this time with the Australian Military Forces. On April 16, 1942, he volunteered in the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) and served as a captain in the 6th (South Australia) Battalion. The VDC was Australia's home defense effort against possible threats during World War II. After World War II ended on November 29, 1945, he was released from active duty.
Following a long career in the military, Brakenridge made his home at Port Pirie, South Australia. He had a quiet life away from the front lines, making contributions to his neighborhood and retiring to his latter years. For those who knew him and the greater society he served, his experiences and services during the conflicts left an enduring impression.
James Hamilton Brakenridge died in Port Pirie. His name is listed on the Roll of Honor of the Port Pirie Presbyterian Church and he is buried in South Australia's Centennial Park Cemetery. Brakenridge left behind a legacy of courage, vision, and steadfast patriotism amid some of the most trying times in world history.
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