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Difference between revisions of "John Edwin Ffoulkes DCM"

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Revision as of 12:21, 7 November 2017

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Personal Information
Date of Birth not known 1892
Place of Birth Festimog, Wales
Death 17 Oct 1962, aged 70
Place of Death Tinkurin, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment 22 years, 8 months
Description 5'10" (1. m) tall; weight 154 lbs ( kg); fair complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair.
Occupation farm teamster
Religion Methodist
Address Serpentine, Western Australia
Next of Kin Father Edwin Ffoulkes
Military Information
Reg Number 4030
Date of Enlistment 2 Aug 1915
Rank Corporal
Unit/Formation 16th Battalion, 12th reinforcement / 4th Brigade, 4th Division
Date of Embarkation 22 Dec 1915 - ? Jan 1916
Ship Embarked On HMAT A31 Ajana
Date of Return 28 Feb 1919 - 7 Apr 1919
Ship Returned On HMAT A68 Anchises
Fate Returned to Australia
Monument Serpentine Roll of Honour
Medals Distinguished Conduct Medal
British War Medal
Victory Medal


Pre War

Electoral Roll entry - 1017 farm labourer at 'Twrgwyn', Serpentine.

War Service

After three months basic training, John was allocated to the 12th reinforcement draft for the 16th Battalion, and travelled with them as a signaller to Egypt. Soon after arrival he was hospitalised in Cairo on 12 Feb 1916 with mumps.

Recovered, he was taken on strength by the 16th Battalion at Tel-el-kebir on 7 Mar 1916 as part of the major reshuffle of units to create addition Divisions for the Western Front. On 1 Jun 1916 he and the battalion embarked on the HMT Canada for Marseilles, France, arriving there on 9 Jun 1916.

On 20 May 1917 he was appointed Lance Corporal, and two days later he was promoted Corporal as the battalion rebuilt its strength in billets at Ribemont and Doulieu.

Awarded the DCM via 1st Anzac Routine Orders No. 88 dated 31 Oct 1917. From 18 Feb 1918 to 20 Mar 1918 he attended a signal school. Following this training he was on several occasions detached to the 4th Army Signal School. He also enjoyed a fortnight's leave in England in late August, early September 1918.

One of the early ones to be sent home, he returned to England on 28 Jan 1919, and was on his way to Australia a month later. John spent four days in No 8 Australian General Hospital Fremantle in May receiving treatment for a septic hand prior to his discharge, later on the day he left hospital, 26 May 1919.


Award Comment

Distinguished Conduct Medal

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was one of a party detailed to establish forward communications during an attack. The officer in charge and all the party became casualties while advancing, but he went forward alone and established and maintained communication, working under heavy fire with untiring energy and complete disregard of personal safety. He set a fine example of courage and determination."[1], [2]


Post War

In 1920 John married Alice May Preston in Perth. Alice died 3 Apr 1947 in Wongan Hills.

Electoral Roll entries - 1922 - 1958 farmer at 'Tregayan Farm', Wongan Hills

Notes

  1. London Gazette 30512 dated 6 Feb 1918
  2. Commonwealth Gazette No 95, dated 27 June 1918.

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