Francis James GROUTSCH

Regimental number243
Place of birthBendigo Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarm hand
AddressTocumwal, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, James Groutsch, Tocumwal, New South Wales
Enlistment date10 February 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name19th Battalion, A Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 29 May 1917

FateReturned to Australia 10 September 1917
Medals

Military Medal

'At NOREUIL on night of 14th/15th May 1917 Private GROUTSCH showed great bravery and devotion to duty during the time the enemy bombarded our positions with gas shells. At one time, when the bombardment was very heavy and the trench was full of gas, this man worked with the utmost energy as a stretcher-bearer in order to dig out two men who were buried. Later he dashed into a gas cloud in the trench to rescue a comrade who had been gassed. His efforts in aiding the wounded were splendid, and the example he set did much towards keeping up the spirit of the men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal