Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

JJB Prentice was one of three brothers to enlist during WW1. JJB was 19 when he enlisted and was involved in the Gallipoli disaster as we now know it. In May 1915, JJB was preforming his duties and was shot by a sniper. The bullet entered behind his ear and penetrated and exited his jaw causing considerable damage. He was listed as critical and moved to a hospital ship, then initially Egypt before recovering in England. JJB's war was over.

JJB eventually returned to Bendigo VIC but found it difficult to maintain work. He got himself in trouble although generally it was to aid others but never really seen this way by the police. He was a troubled man. He continued to attend church services and was a member of his community and in 1918 tried to re-enlist, thankfully this was turned down.

His injury to his jaw saw him in and out of dental hospitals as he had trouble opening his mouth and subsequently not eating well. This aided in his early decline.

JJB and the entire Prentice family (men) were miners, the true diggers. He knew his gold. It is written that in receiving gold fillings, he left the dentist but felt there was insufficient weight of gold used by the dentist. He reported this to the military and upon investigation discovered the dentist was using less gold than what he was charging the Govt. As I said, JJB knew his gold.

JJB events l eventually moved to NSW to gain employment. He is listed as an early Pioneer in Rankin Springs NSW. JJB married Janet and had no children. He died a young man in 1939.

JJB's older brothers Albert Charles Prentice and George Henry Prentice both enlisted in 1915 but sadly KIA 1916 and 1918 respectively.