Regimental number | 4858 |
Place of birth | Wishall Scotland |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | 6 Fitzroy Street, Marrickville, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 27 |
Next of kin | Father, J Semple, Craigleith Cottage, Craigleith, Eden, Scotland |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 1st Battalion, 15th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/18/4 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A15 Star Of England on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sapper |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 5th Divisional Signal Company |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'For courage and devotion to duty. They [608 J.P. O'CONNELL, 4858 J. SEMPLE] are members of No. 3 Section of this Company attached to 14th Australian Infantry Brigade. During successful operations forward of HEILLY on night of 28th/29th July 1918, they performed excellent work under heavy fire from the enemy, in establishing and maintaining telephone communications in the forward area. From 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on the 28th July the worked consistently and hard in establishing communications, and from 12.30 a.m. until 6 a.m. on the 29th July in maintaining same. They were responsible for the lines to the Advanced Brigade position and the flanks, and during the latter period mentioned, bravely carried out their duties under heavy enemy artillery fire. When our offensive action had ceased, Sapper O'CONNELL did remarkable work and controlled the linesmen forward of Battalions. He was greatly assisted by Sapper SEMPLE. It was largely due to the bravery and devotion to duty of these men that almost continuous communication was maintained throughout the operations and subsequently that normal communications were established.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Place of burial | Woronora Crematorium |