The AIF Project

John ELLIS

Regimental number2029
Place of birthYanygraig, Rhydyoraesau M. Oswestry, Wales
SchoolRhydyoraesau School
Age on arrival in Australia17
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressBrisbane, Queensland
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinWife, Mrs Syphena Jane Ellis, Clarke's Bridge, via Laidley, Queensland
Enlistment date29 September 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll29 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name2nd Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/7/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 31 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll11th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 8 April 1918

Other details from Roll of Honour Circular"Married on 20th January, 1915. Enlisted 29th September, 1915. Sailed for Egypt on 31st January, 1916. Awarded Military Medal on 5th April, 1918 at Mellencourt and awarded French Croix de General at Villers-Bretonneux on 27th May, 1918.
FateKilled in Action 3 November 1918
Place of death or woundingLe Catelet, France
Age at death22.8
Age at death from cemetery records24
Place of burialHighland Cemetery (Plot IV, Row B, Grave No. 8), Le Cateau, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
16
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Evan and Elizabeth ELLIS; husband of Tryphena Jane ELLIS, Clarke's Bridge, Laidley, Queensland. Native of England
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on our positions opposite DERNANCOURT and ALBERT on the 5th April 1918. He went out without hesitation under heavy shell fire to mend telephone wires that had been cut. Communication on his line was constantly maintained except during a period when the line was cut by shell fire faster than it could be repaired. During this period Gunner ELLIS acted as runner between the 41st and 42nd Batteries. Owing to his courage and resource, orders from Group Headquarters were passed to 41st Battery through 42nd Battery at a critical period - when telephone lines from Group headquarters to the former Battery were out of action.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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