POWELL, Edward John
| Service Number: | 1821 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 20 June 1915, Claremont, Tas. |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 26th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Evandale, Tas., 1885 |
| Home Town: | Perth, Northern Midlands, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Labourer |
| Died: | Killed in Action, France, 2 September 1918 |
| Cemetery: |
Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension III II 22, Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Peronne, Picardie, France |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Nile War Memorial, Perth War Memorial |
World War 1 Service
| 20 Jun 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1821, 26th Infantry Battalion, Claremont, Tas. | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Jul 1915: | Involvement Private, 1821, 26th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '15' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Orsova embarkation_ship_number: A67 public_note: '' | |
| 17 Jul 1915: | Embarked Private, 1821, 26th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Orsova, Melbourne | |
| 2 Sep 1918: | Involvement 1821, 26th Infantry Battalion, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 1821 awm_unit: 26th Australian Infantry Battalion awm_rank: Company Sergeant Major awm_died_date: 1918-09-02 |
Help us honour Edward John Powell's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Edward and Amy Beatrice POWELL
Husband of Ruby Myrtle POWELL of Perth, Tas.
Military Medal
'During the attack on LAGNICOURT on 26th March 1917 this N.C.O. showed great gallantry in action and determined coolness under heavy fire. He fought hard through a village and when the position was consolidated he immediately pushed out in front to observe the enemy who were organising for a counter-attack. After shooting several of the enemy from this forward position he crawled back and reported what he saw to his Officer commanding who immediately acted on his information and was prepared for the counter-attack which was launched by the enemy immediately afterwards and was repulsed by us. Powell went back to his forward position taking a German rifle with him and stayed there all day sniping with great effect bringing flanking fire to bear on the enemy every time he showed up. On one occasion when his Officer came in contact with one of the enemy who tried to shoot his Officer Powell rushed in and stopped him showing coolness and great courage and thus saving his Officer's life. The G.O.C. Australian Forces has already presented Sergeant POWELL with Military Medal Ribbon for his conduct on this occasion.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174
Date: 11 October 1917
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