Gordon Thomas James JOHNSON MM

JOHNSON, Gordon Thomas James

Service Number: 2065
Enlisted: 1 July 1915
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 29th Infantry Battalion
Born: Irrewillipe, Victoria, 1894
Home Town: Irrewillipe, Colac-Otway, Victoria
Schooling: Irrewillipe State School
Occupation: Farmer
Died: 13 September 1956, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Maffra Public Cemetery
Memorials: Colac Soldier's Memorial, Colac West Barongarook Methodist Sunday School Roll of Honor
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World War 1 Service

1 Jul 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion
18 Feb 1916: Embarked Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Ballarat, Melbourne
18 Feb 1916: Involvement Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '16' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Ballarat embarkation_ship_number: A70 public_note: ''
26 Sep 1917: Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion, Polygon Wood
26 Sep 1917: Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion, Polygon Wood, Wounded in action - First occasion (Gunshot wound right shoulder)
3 Oct 1917: Honoured Military Medal, Polygon Wood, Private Johnson was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for Gallant actions during the battle of Polygon Wood which was later changed to the Military Medal
10 Apr 1918: Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion, Wounded in action - Second occasion (Gassed)
29 Sep 1918: Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion, Breaching the Hindenburg Line - Cambrai / St Quentin Canal
15 Aug 1919: Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 2065, 29th Infantry Battalion

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Biography contributed by John Lakey

 Private Gordon T.J. Johnson 2065 29th Battalion 3rd Reinforcement

Private Johnson was wounded and gassed on the Western Front. After the war, he was granted a Soldier Settlement block of 75 acres at Mewburn Park, Tinamba, Victoria

Citation for Gallantry at the battle of Polygon Wood

  • 2065 Private Gordon Thomas James JOHNSON 29th Battalion 3rd Reinforcement, A.I.F. During the attack on the final objective on 26th. September, 1917, our advance was held up by a number of enemy strong points, and Pte. JOHNSON formed one of a small party which was organised to take these positions. He showed great bravery and was always to the fore with bombing parties. With his Company Commander he flanked 3 "pillboxes", threw a number of grenades in and forced the garrisons to surrender, thus disposing of more enemy affectives than his company had men in the line at the time. By his prompt action and at his own personal risk he undoubtedly saved the life of his Company Commander on two occasions. Recommendation: Distinguished Conduct Medal [DCM] Muir Purser Lieutenant-Colonel 29th Battalion

 

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