| Regimental number | 676 |
| Place of birth | St Arnaud Victoria |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Agent |
| Address | Warragul, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 24 |
| Next of kin | Father, Will Polkinghorne, Warragul, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 29th Battalion, B Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/46/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 32nd Battalion |
| Fate | Died of disease |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 28 |
| Place of burial | Sutton Veny (St John) Churchyard (Plot 75, Row K, Grave No. 4), Wiltshire, England |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 121 |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: William and Eliza POLKINGHORNE, Victoria Street, Warragul, Victoria |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'During the operations carried out by 29th Battalion on 8th/9th instant. Corporal POLKINGHORNE was in charge of a Lewis Gun Team which was taken in advance of the final objective by Tanks, and then took up a position to cover the consolidation of our line. This N.C.O. displayed great bravery and coolness in the face of very heavy Machine Gun fire. Whilst choosing the best tactical position for his Gun, he showed the greatest disregard of his own personal safety, and was untiring in his efforts in putting enemy Machine Gun out of action. At one time when his crew was subject to very heavy shell and Machine Gun fire he freely exposed himself in moving his Team to a new position of safety, and was an inspiration to his men through many hours of a hard fought action. By his coolness and initiative he supplied his O.C. with very valuable information concerning the formation of ground in front and enemy movement, by which means a local counter attack was crushed at its inception.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Western Front Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
