James Balfour STARK

Regimental number20013
Place of birthInverness Scotland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationStation hand
AddressBalmoral Street, Fortescue, Western Australia
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinWife, Mrs H B Stark, 3 Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Enlistment date21 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll22 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 8, Battery 31
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/36/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 20 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Divisional Trench Mortar Battery
FateReturned to Australia 11 January 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'During the period 25 February to 16-17 September, 1918, he showed marked courage and devotion to duty. On 21 June, 1918, at Villers-Bretonneux, he kept his mortar in action during a very heavy enemy retaliation lasting one hour. Again, on 8 August, he did excellent work with his mortar, and going forward later with his detachment he turned a captured 4.2 inch howitzer on to the enemy with great effect against defences and communications. Throughout the period mentioned, his work was of the highest order.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal