The AIF Project

John Sydney Herbert SEMPLE

Regimental number286
Place of birthTemora New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
Address3 Holt Street, Mosman, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation41
Next of kinMother, Mrs Fanny Wilson, 3 Holt Street, Mosman, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date21 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name21st Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/38/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll24th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 28 March 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For most conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. At Ville-Sur-Ancre, on the 19 May, 1918, after his platoon commander had been severely wounded, he took charge of the platoon and led them forward, and captured thirty prisoners and three machine guns, besides killing many of the enemy. Again, on 4 July, near Villers-Bretonneux, he was instrumental in the capture of several posts, and himself killed five of the enemy, and later sent back valuable information and prisoners. On reaching the final objective, he remustered his men, and consolidated the position under heavy machine gun and sniping fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Family/military connectionsNephew: [2247] Lt Francis Herbert SEMPLE, 18th Bn, killed in action, 19 May 1918.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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