The AIF Project

Frederick James DARKE

Regimental number2580
Place of birthCampbelltown New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationDriller
AddressSydney Road, Granville, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinFather, J Darke, Sydney Road, Granville, New South Wales
Enlistment date8 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 9 August 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF13
Promotion date: 6 January 1919

Lieutenant


Unit: INF13
Promotion date: 6 April 1919

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Unspecified


Recommendation date: 9 July 1918

FateReturned to Australia 2 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the advance on the 18th September, 1918, near LE VERGUIER, considerable confusion and loss of direction occurred on account of the enemy wire and thick haze. In endeavouring to keep touch with the right flank the men became scattered and were getting disorganised. Realising the danger Sergeant DARKE went forward collected the scattered elements including men belonging to other Units, and moving about with great energy organised them into a Platoon. he led this composite party to the objective, regained touch with both flanks and gave a wonderful example of leadership, coolness and contempt for danger.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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