PRINTER, John
| Service Number: | 1683 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 19 January 1916, 6 years Irish Rifles |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 3rd Divisional Salvage Company |
| Born: | Newcastle, New South Wales , Australia, 5 February 1875 |
| Home Town: | Adamstown, Newcastle, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Carpenter |
| Died: | Matcham, New South Wales, Australia, 17 June 1934, aged 59 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Sandgate General Cemetery, Newcastle, NSW CATHOLIC 1-G Com. 68. |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 19 Jan 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1683, 35th Infantry Battalion, 6 years Irish Rifles | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May 1916: | Involvement Private, 1683, 35th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '17' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Benalla embarkation_ship_number: A24 public_note: '' | |
| 1 May 1916: | Embarked Private, 1683, 35th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Benalla, Sydney | |
| 29 Jan 1917: | Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 3rd Divisional Salvage Company | |
| 4 Jun 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 3rd Divisional Salvage Company | |
| 8 Oct 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, 3rd Divisional Salvage Company | |
| 30 Aug 1918: | Honoured Distinguished Conduct Medal, Battle of Messines, Messines 25th May-21st June 1917 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of salvage parties in an advanced position. He carried out his work with great skill under most difficult conditions, and frequently under intense shell fire, and set a high standard of efficiency and courage to his comrades.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 137 Date: 30 August 1918 | |
| 15 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Corporal, 1683, 3rd Divisional Salvage Company, 2nd MD Medically unfit (fibrosis of lung) |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From Gary Mitchell, Sandgate Cemetery
Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery.
88 years ago today, on the Tuesday afternoon of the 19th June 1934, Corporal John (Jack) Printer (D.C.M., Reg No-1683), 3rd Australian Division Salvage Company, carpenter or labourer (fettler, Redhead Railway), from Dibbs Street, Adamstown, New South Wales and Victoria Street, Adamstown, N.S.W. and Matcham, Central Coast, N.S.W., father of six (Margaret, Florence, Ellen, Enid, Jack, Ida), was laid to rest with full military honours at Sandgate Cemetery, age 59. CATHOLIC 1-G Com. 68.
Born at Tyrrell Street, Newcastle, New South Wales on the 5th February 1875 to Adam Ward ((1842-1892) and Frances Printer (1845-1927) nee Widdison; husband of Annie (Ann) Patterson Printer nee Pritchard (married 1905, Boolaroo, N.S.W., died 22.11.1956, Newcastle, N.S.W.), Jack enlisted January 1916 with the 35th Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.
Jack's name mentioned in a letter (see links) from Lieutenant Connell (Major) Hugh John Connell, D.S.O., M.C. and Bar., M.I.D., 35th Battalion, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, 1.2.1934, age 49. METHODIST 4-05. 16.
Admitted to hospital 14.9.1916 (bronchitis), 25.12.1916 (influenza), 30.6.1918 (influenza), 11.1.1919 (pneumonia).
Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal 30.8.1918.
"For conspicuous conduct, initiative and splendid example of coolness in the most exacting of conditions whilst leading the Advanced Salvage Parties during the period 25th May to 21st June 1917 at Messines. His salvage work was often carried out under intense shell fire. By his personal example he set a high standard for his comrades which had a marked effect on them when working under shell fire of gas".
Jack returned home April 1919, being discharged medically unfit (fibrosis of lung) on the 15th September 1919.
Mr. Printer’s name has been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial and the Adamstown Municipal District Roll of Honor.
I have placed poppies upon Jack’s brown granite Commonwealth War Graves headstone in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.
Service record states Died after Discharge, 17.6.1934.
Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.
Lest We Forget.
Click images to start slideshow.