John Thomas FRANCIS

Regimental number916
Place of birthWellington South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarrier
AddressBroomhill, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinBrother, P J Francis, Broomhill, Western Australia
Enlistment date10 September 1914
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name(1st) Divisional Train, 4th Company, Army Service Corps
AWM Embarkation Roll number25/14/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board TRANSPORT A19 Afric on 18 October 1914
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board TRANSPORT A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board A2 Geelong on 19 October 1914
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A1 Hymettus on 22 October 1914
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 2 November 1914
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 20 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Division Train
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: "17 December 1917 (Awarded 26 December 1917)"

FateReturned to Australia 23 October 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations near GUEUDECOURT from 15th November, 1916, to 6th December, 1916, these N.C.O.s and men did most excellent work as members of the Divisional Pack Transport Troops. They are selected from the 256 N.C.O.s and Drivers as having set a fine example to the remainder by their coolness under fire, determination, and resource. They never failed in getting the mules up to Battalion Headquarters although they came constantly under shell fire, during which a number of mules were killed. Their work was done at night under the most difficult conditions, and they were instrumental in saving a number of valuable animals from drowning when bogged in shell holes in the portion of their journey beyond Brigade Headquarters, which was under constant shell fire. '
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917