The AIF Project

Ernest Leslie FORD

Regimental number6309
Place of birthBambra, via Deans Marsh, Victoria
SchoolfState School, Bambra, Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressWinchelsea PO, Winchelsea, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, S Ford, Dean's Marsh, Victoria
Enlistment date19 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 18th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 23 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll24th Battalion
FateKilled in Action 5 October 1918
Place of death or woundingMontbrehain, France
Age at death23
Age at death from cemetery records24
Place of burialCalvaire Cemetery (Row A, Grave No. 18), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
101
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Samuel and Ann FORD, Nyora, Victoria. Native of Bambra, Victoria
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack on Mont St. Quentin on 1 September 1918. During the advance he repeatedly provided covering fire with his Lewis gun team, keeping his gun in action despite point blank fire, and silencing two enemy guns. He captured twenty five prisoners single handed, cowing them with a burst of fire from his gun, which he held at his hip. His grit and enterprise were an example to all around him.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Family/military connectionsSgt. E L Ford No. 2038 Australian Machine Guns was his younger brother and he was also awarded the Military Medal (Ann Ford, Mother)
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal

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