| Regimental number | 368 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Eaglehawk, Victoria |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Occupation | Carpenter |
| Address | Cricketers Arms Hotel, Eaglehawk, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Height | 5' 9.5" |
| Weight | 165 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Frances Esposito, Cricketers Arms Hotel, Eaglehawk, Victoria |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Rockhampton, Queensland |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 21st Battalion, B Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/38/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on |
| Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 24th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leading in command of bombing attack rendering valuable services. (Mouquet Farm)' Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leading in command of a bombing attack on point 54 at MOUQUET FARM on 26th August, 1916. On encountering greatly superior hostile numbers he succeeded in holding up their attack until he had established the remainder of his party in a fresh position which he then held.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 29 August 1915. Disembarked Alexandria from Mudros, 7 January 1916 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Found guilty, Canal Zone, 16 February 1916, of breaking camp and being absent from Roll Call, 13 February 1916: awarded 2 days' Field Punishment No 2. Found guilty, Moascar, 17 March 1916, of conduct to the prejudice of good order and Military Discipline in that when told by Sgt. Cook there was no breakfast remarked "Are you saving it up? I have always had a personal opinion of you. You are up the ---.': awarded 168 hours' Field Punishment No 2. Found guilty, Moascar, 17 March 1916, of breaking out of camp about 1400, 16 March, and remaining absent till 0600, 17 March 1916: awarded 72 hours' Field Punishment No 2. Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 26 March 1916. Found guilty, Glomingheur, 3 April 1916, of being absent from early morning Roll Call: awarded 24 hours' Field Punishment No 2. Took part in raid on enemy's trenches on the night of 29-30 June 1916: awarded Military Medal. Admitted to ANZAC Corps Rest Station, 9 January 1917 (scabies); discharged to duty and rejoined Bn, 14 January 1917. Wounded in action, 11 February 1917 (gun shot wound, face and left hand); admitted to 5th Australian Field Ambulance, 12 February 1917; transferred to 18th General Hospital, Camiers, 14 February 1917; to England, 17 February 1917, and admitted to Queen Mary's Hospital, Southend; discharged on furlough, 28 March 1917, to report to No 1 Command Depot, Perhams Downs, 12 April 1917. Marched in to No 1 Command Depot, 13 April 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 9 May 1917; rejoined 21st Bn, in the field, 13 May 1917. Appointed to Permanent Cadre of 6th Training Bn, Rollestone, England; marched in to 6th Training Bn, 20 July 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 2 October 1917; rejoined 21st Bn, in the field, 7 October 1917. On leave to Paris, 8 February 1918; rejoined Bn from leave, 17 February 1918. Joined No 4 Officer Cadet Bn, Oxford, 7 June 1918, and appointed Cadet. Admitted to Military Hospital, Oxford, 12 October 1918 (not yet diagnosed); discharged to duty, 18 November 1918. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant, 1 January 1919. Proceeded overseas to France, 26 February 1919; taken on strength, 24th Bn, 5 March 1919. Admitted to 7th Australian Field Ambulance, 19 March 1919 (asthma); transferred to 32nd Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, 25 March 1919; to England, 26 March 1919, and admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth; transferred to Grove Military Hospital, Tooting, 17 April 1919; discharged on furlough, 9-23 April 1919. Promoted Lieutenant, 1 April 1919. Granted extension of leave until 29 April 1919. Marched in to No 2 Group, Sutton Veny, 29 April 1919. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ypiringa', 15 May 1919; disembarked Melbourne, 5 July 1919; appointment terminated (discharged), 6 October 1919. Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 69 |
| Place of burial | Eaglehawk Cemetery, Victoria |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, ESPOSITO Benjamin Francis |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
