The AIF Project

John Henderson PRIEST

Regimental number3585
Place of birthStirling South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressStreaky Bay, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Benjamin Wadsworth Priest, Stirling west, South Australia
Enlistment date17 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name27th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/44/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 12 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll10th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 18 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the advance from JEANCOURT ON 18th September, 1918, Corporal PRIEST, although wounded in the ear by a bullet before the assault, continued to take part in the fighting. In the course of the advance he rushed an enemy strong post which was garrisoned by 20 men with machine guns. His gallant action caused confusion in the post and enabled the right flank of the advance, which had previously been held up, to continue moving forward. He captured six prisoners himself, and his action permitted the capture of one 8 inch gun. Shortly after he was wounded the second time.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal British War Medal, Victory Medal

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