The AIF Project

Frederick WATTS

Regimental number358
Place of birthBrisbane Queensland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationGroom
AddressJackson Street, Ascot, Brisbane, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, Ernest Watts, Jackson Street, Ascot, Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date20 October 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll22 October 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name15th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollLance Sergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
FateDied of wounds 18 September 1918
Place of burialHancourt British Cemetery (Row C, Grave 9), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
78
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Ernest George WATTS.
Medals

Military Medal

'Is recommended for conspicuous gallantry while in action near VILLERS BRETONNEUX on 5th/6th May, 1918. This man established a listening post within thirty yards of an enemy post. Enemy machine guns were particularly active in the vicinity of this spot, but he pushed out with utter disregard for personal danger, and remained out there until about an hour before daylight, having obtained some very useful information regarding the enemy posts and definitely locating two enemy machine guns which had been troubling our post. As a result of this information both the posts and machine guns were engaged and silenced time after time with No. 36 grenades. His cheerfulness and gallantry throughout the tour of duty in the line greatly inspired all the men around him.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 359 Pte George Ernest WATTS, 15th Bn, killed in action, 9 May 1915.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.