James Alexander Kierath MID
From Our Contribution
 James with wife Vera, daughter Helen and g.daughter Robyn | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 5 Jul 1891 |
| Place of Birth | Hay, New South Wales |
| Death | 21 Feb 1973, aged 81 |
| Place of Death | Dalkieth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 50 years, 8 months |
| Description |
5'6' (1.68m) tall ; 130lbs 58.967 kg ; fair complexion ; yellow eyes ; fair hair |
| Occupation | Warehouseman |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Address | Mundijong, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs Vera Keirath |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W67649 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Mar 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia ww2 |
| Medals |
1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal Mentioned in Despatches |
WW 1 Service
Twenty four years old when he enlisted for service in August 1914. As 1841, Pte Kierath, he embarked from Australia on 26 Oct 1914 as a member of the 8th Battery Field Artillery. He landed at Gallipoli on 25 Apr 1915 and soon after he was slightly wounded in action, returning to his unit after four days treatment for minor face wounds. On 25 Aug 1915 he was promoted Temporary Bombardier, and back in Egypt post Gallipoli, to Corporal. On 30 Nov 1916 in France he was promoted Temporary Sergeant, with his rank confirmed on 17 Jan 1917. This was followed by promotion to Temp Battery Sergeant Major on 31 Dec 1917. In early 1918 he was sent to England (St John's Wood) to join a Cadet School following which he was Appointed as a Second Lieutenant on 19 Sep 1918, and then promoted to Lieutenant on 19 Dec 1918 with the 2nd Artillery Field Brigade. James returned to England in April 1919 and then on to Australia in late April 1919, arriving home on 4 Jun 1919 on the SS Karagola. His appointment was terminated on 3 Aug 1919.
James was Mentioned in General Haig's Despatches published in the London Gazette on 15 May 1917, and the Australian Gazette no 169 of 4 Oct 1917.
Pre War
During 1928 James married Vera Isabel Perrin in Perth.
Electoral Roll entries: 1917 at 74 Lincoln street, North Perth, warehouseman; 1925 - 1936 at Wheatley's road, Manjimup, farmer; 1937 - 1943 at Anstey street, Mundijong, Agricultural Bank Inspector
WW 2 Service
Enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps on 22 Mar 1942 at Armadale and was allocated to the 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion. On 7 Feb 1944 he was discharged at his own request.
Post WW 2
Living at 46 Alexander drive, Dalkeith in March 1967.
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at 52 Normanby street, Inglewood, bank valuer; 1954 - 1972 at 46 Alexander road, Claremont, bank officer;
Notes
Description is from WW1 records.