The AIF Project

James Reid GEMMELL

Regimental number29601
Place of birthMuckamore, Co Antrim, Ireland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationAccountant
AddressThompson Road, Claremont, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Height5' 6.5"
Weight152 lbs
Next of kinFather, A S Gemmell, Thompson Road, Claremont, Western Australia
Previous military serviceServed for 1 year in B Troop, 25th Australian Light Horse, York.
Enlistment date4 March 1916
Place of enlistmentPerth, Western Australia
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit nameHowitzer Brigade 118
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/136/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 3 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll7th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work at Ploegsteert on 5 June 1917.
Recommendation date: 15 June 1917

FateReturned to Australia 19 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At PLOEGSTEERT on the night of 5th June, 1917, during a severe gas shell and H.E. bombardment of the Battery position, an enemy shell entered and exploded an ammunition dump which set fire to the camouflage. This man unhesitatingly approached and extinguished the fire although exposed to heavy shell fire and to fragments from the exploding ammunition. His action prevented damage to the position and set a fine example of promptness and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Melbourne, 2 October 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 19 November 1916. Proceeded overseas to France, 31 December 1916; taken on strength, 7th Field Artillery Brigade, 6 January 1917. Detached for duty to 3rd Division Artillery Headquarters, 3 February 1917; rejoined unit, 1 March 1917.

Awarded the Military Medal, 24 June 1917.

Appointed Acting Bombardier, 21 August 1917.

Wounded in action, 9 October 1917 (shrapnel wound, face); admitted to 2nd Australian General Hospital, Wimereux, 10 October 1917; transferred to 1st Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 21 October 1917; to No 3 Rest Camp (fit), 22 October 1917; rejoined unit, 15 November 1917. Appointed Temporary Corporal, 6 December 1917; Corporal, 27 February 1918; Sergeant, 1 December 1918.

To England on leave, 13 February 1918; rejoined unit from leave, 3 March 1918. To United Kingdom on leave, 8 February 1919; rejoined unit from leave, 26 February 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board 'Windhuk', 19 June 1919; disembarked Western Australia, 7 August 1919; discharged, 22 September 1919.

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, GEMMELL James Reid

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