WELLS, Herbert James
| Service Number: | 1868 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 24 November 1915, at Liverpool |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | 30th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Wellington, New South Wales, Australia, March 1897 |
| Home Town: | Wellington, Wellington, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Ironmonger, Accountant |
| Died: | Heart Attack, Surrey, England, 1995 |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | St Mark's HR Islington, Tighe's Hill Public School HR, Wickham "Citizens of Wickham" Volunteers Honour Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 24 Nov 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1868, 30th Infantry Battalion, at Liverpool | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Dec 1915: | Involvement 1868, 30th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '16' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Berrima embarkation_ship_number: A35 public_note: '' | |
| 17 Dec 1915: | Embarked 1868, 30th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Berrima, Sydney | |
| 6 Apr 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 30th Infantry Battalion | |
| 7 Jan 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 30th Infantry Battalion | |
| 1 Feb 1919: | Honoured Military Cross, "The Last Hundred Days", "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations of 26, 27 and 28th August [1918] which resulted in the capture of FOUCAUCOURT and the advancing of our line beyond ESTREES." | |
| 15 Dec 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1 |
Help us honour Herbert James Wells's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Orroroo Area School
Herbert James Wells was born in Wellington, NSW in March, 1897. He lived in Wellington with his father, John James and mother, Daisy. Herbert enlisted for WW1 at Liverpool, NSW on the 24th of November, 1915 at eighteen years and 8 months of age. At enlistment he was described as having dark complexion with brown eyes and black hair. He was single and belonged to the Church of England, His height was 5’9 (175cm) and weighed 70.6 kg. Before the war Herbert’s occupation was an ironmonger and his records show that he was also worked as an accountant. Herbert embarked at Berrima, Sydney on the 17th of December 1915.
Herbert was a Private when he arrived in Egypt in early 1916, but was repeatedly promoted: Corporal in March, Sergeant in April, Second Lieutenant in August and Lieutenant in January 1917. In May 1917 he was detached to serve with a training school in England, and only rejoined the 30th Battalion in November 1917. That meant he missed the fighting at Polygon Wood in September, but he saw a lot of action in 1918.
From the operations that took place on the 26th to 28th August, 1918, Herbert received one of the most prestigious war medals, the Military Cross.This resulted in the capture of Foucaucourt. According to the recommendation for the award, Herbert led his company with great gallantry and skill, which enabled him to reach his objective with comparatively few casualties in spite of heavy machine gun fire and a 77 mm gun firing at point blank range. All his company runners were killed, but he personally kept in close touch with his platoon commander under heavy fire. His example to his men was very fine.' the high courage shown by this officer together with his careful handling of a difficult operation greatly inspired his platoon commanders and company. Herbert was in charge of the right coy and also stayed in touch with both flanks. Herbert’s tactical handling of his company was partly responsible for the capture of the village.
Herbert Wells received 4 medallions in total for his service, Military Cross, 1914-1915 Star medal, the British War and the Victory medal .
Herbert was discharged from war on the 15th of December, 1919 and received a sum of 122 pounds for his service.
On the 13th of October 1918 Herbert was detached to the Australian Flying Corps. At the end of the war, Herbert remained in England and gave up any claim on the AIF for free passage back to Australia.
It is possible that Herbert reached eminence in England, but the evidence is not enough to substantiate this yet. A Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert James Wells CBE MC ended up as Lord High Sheriff of Surrey in 1965 but, while it is likely this is the same person, it cannot be shown on our present evidence.
Click images to start slideshow.