The AIF Project

James SHIELDS

Regimental number5911
Place of birthMelbourne Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationSleeper cutter
AddressNeerim East PO, Neerim East, Victoria
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation29
Next of kinWife, Mrs Mary Ellen Shields, Neerim East PO, Neerim East, Victoria
Enlistment date22 March 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll2 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name22nd Battalion, 16th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/39/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 Nestor on 2 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll22nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 7 February 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on ESREES, east of PERONNE, on 4th October, 1918. Shortly after leaving the jumping-off trench, strong opposition was met from several enemy posts. This man pushed ahead with his Lewis gun and actively engaged the active machine guns. While doing this he had to cross completely bare and open ground, and received a severe and painful wound. Undeterred by exhaustion and loss of blood, this gallant gunner refused to seek aid, but continued to advance, keeping his gun in action the whole time and rallying the men in his vicinity when all the N.C.O.s had become casualties. When the objectives was reached he established a post to cover the digging in, and not until the position was securely consolidated would he allow himself to be evacuated by the stretcher bearers.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 119
Date: 17 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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