| Regimental number | 1911 |
| Place of birth | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Engine cleaner |
| Address | Emerson Street, Goulburn, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 20 |
| Height | 5' 9" |
| Weight | 150 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, Peter Grimston, Emerson Street, Goulburn, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Senior Cadets (4 years); 43rd Infantry (2 years) |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Goulburn, New South Wales |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 55th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/72/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A37 Barambah on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Sergeant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 19th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Distinguished Conduct Medal Work at Mont St.Quentin on 31 August 1918. Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Died of wounds |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 22 |
| Place of burial | Birmingham (Lodge Hill) Cemetery (B10. 420), Warwickshire |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 88 |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Commemorated in Goulburn General Cemetery, New South Wales. Parents: Peter and Emily GRIMSTON, Emmerson Street, Garfield, Goulburn, New South Wales. Photo: Peter Dennis. Commemorated on Goulburn District Railway Employees Honor Roll, Goulburn Railway Station. Photo: Tim Rozitis |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'In the attack on Mont St. Quentin, on 31 August, 1918, his sergeant having located a machine gun, the two decided to attack the post. They worked amongst buildings to within 15 yards, and rushed the gun. Although the sergeant was immediately killed Corporal Grimston reached the post, wounded the two occupants, and captured the gun.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 35 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Embarked Sydney, 23 June 1916; admitted to Ship's Isolation Hospital, 7 August 1916 (venereal disease); disembarked Plymouth, England, 25 August 1916, and marched into 14th Training Bn, no date stated. Admitted to Fargo Military Hospital, Salisbury, 27 August 1916 (venereal disease); transferred to No 1 Australian Dermatological Hospital, Bulford, 1 September 1916; to Parkhouse Hospital, 18 November 1916; discharged, 6 January 1917; marched into 14th Training Bn, Hurcott, 7 January 1917; total period of treatment for venereal disease (including ship board treatment): 153 days. Proceeded overseas to France, 13 March 1917; marched into 5th Australian Divisional Base Depot, Etaples, 14 March 1917. Proceeded to unit, 4 April 1917; taken on strength of 19th Bn, in the field, 5 April 1917. On leave to United Kingdom, 23 February 1918; rejoined unit, 11 March 1918. Promoted Temporary Corporal, 4 August 1918. Promoted Corporal, 24 August 1918. Promoted Lance Sergeant, 4 September 1918. To Bde NCOs' School, 8 September 1918; rejoined unit, 27 September 1918. Wounded in action, 3 October 1918; admitted to No 5 Australian Field Ambulance, 3 October 1918, and transferred to No 53 Casualty Clearing Station the same day (gunshot wound, head); to Ambulance Train, 4 October 1918; to No 72 General Hospital, Trouville, 4 October 1918; to England, 14 October 1918; to 2/1 Southern General Hospital, Birmingham, 16 October 1918 (dangerously ill). Died, 2/1 Southern General Hospital, 24 October 1918 (pneumonia). Buried, Lodge Hill Cemetery, 28 October 1918. Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, GRIMSTON Ernest George |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
