The AIF Project

Wilfred Victor FRENCH

Regimental number1951
Place of birthBarrington Tasmania
ReligionMethodist
OccupationFarmer and Motor-driver
AddressWilmot, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, William French, Wilmot, Tasmania
Enlistment date15 October 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name3rd Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/8/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A19 Afric on 5 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Motor Transport Company
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 4 November 1917

FateReturned to Australia 6 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At 3 p.m. on 28th October, 1917, Lorry No. 11751, Drivers TURTON and FRENCH, engaged on carrying road metal to GORDON ROAD, east of YPRES, whilst backing into position for unloading, became ditched, through the side of the road giving way, and at the same time came under heavy shell fire from the enemy. The shelling forced the unloading party to take cover. Showing a total disregard for their personal safety, the abovementioned Sergeant and Drivers set to with shovels and unloaded their lorry and them got it out of the ditch to a place of safety. Whilst this was being done, their position at GORDON ROAD was being subjected to heavy shell fire by the enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Family/military connectionsBrother: 510 Pte Benjamin Mervyn FRENCH, 1st Signal Troop, returned to Australia, 3 March 1916.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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