Regimental number | 4654 |
Place of birth | Deloraine Tasmania |
Religion | Methodist |
Occupation | Orchardist |
Address | Bridgenorth, Tasmania |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Next of kin | Father, Mr E French, Bridgenorth, Tasmania |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 8th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/25/5 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 57th Battalion |
Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: INF57 Promotion date: Lieutenant Unit: INF57 Promotion date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'During the operations of 29th September - 1st October in the neighbourhood of BELLICOURT Sergeant FRENCH was acting C.SM. In the initial advance the Company came under a heavy artillery barrage at the moment when crossing a ridge facing the HINDENBURG System, a dense fog enveloped the troops. Two of the three Company Officers were badly wounded and the men go somewhat scattered and were considerably shaken. Sergeant FRENCH rallied them and helped his Company Commander to conduct the difficult advance in spite of the falling shells the gas drenched fog and badly ............ country. At a later stage he was conspicuous during the attack on the LE CATELET ............. for his courage and energy in helping his platoon leaders, all of them N.C.Os and in bandaging and caring for wounded under heavy fire. During the further advance he displayed the same qualities, encouraging his platoon leaders and helping them when met with a heavy barrage fire during the attack on the ESTREES-GRANDCOURT ridge. When the fire rendered a temporary retirement necessary he remained behind with the wounded until they were all evacuated. He has always done good work and this time his conduct was exceptionally fine and deserves recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109 Date: |
Family/military connections | Brother: 4653 Pte Clarence Charles FRENCH, 57ty Bn, returned to Australia, 10 March 1918. |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |