John Alexander McINNES

Regimental number3188
Place of birthGoulburn New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
AddressKingsdale via Goulburn, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinMother, Mrs Alice McInnes, Kingsdale via Goulburn, New South Wales
Enlistment date12 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name55th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/72/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 11 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

3 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 23 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the Hindenburg Line North of BELLICOURT on 30th September 1918. As no 2 on Lewis Gun during a strong enemy counter attack on a trench captured by our assault troops, Private McINNES with No 1168 Private A. LEWIS, No 1 on the Lewis Gun, advanced into an isolated position and used the gun with deadly effect on a strong party of the enemy who were seen endeavouring to outflank a small party of his comrades. Finding that the gun could not be used effectively from the ground, Private McINNES held the gun on his shoulder in which position it was fired by the No 1., both men standing up in the face of heavy Machine Gun fire from the flank, until the enemy party were completely broken up, many being caught by the fire from this gun. His comrades were thus saved from being surprised from the rear. This prompt action contributed largely to the utter failure of the enemy counter attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal