Jack Kitching FLETCHER

Regimental number1660
Place of birthCowra New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationDraper
AddressCowra, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, R W Fletcher, Cowra, New South Wales
Enlistment date1 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name56th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/73/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 14 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCompany Quartermaster Sergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll56th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Recommendation date: 5 October 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Meritorious Service Medal)


Recommendation date: 22 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 8 July 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'This N.C.O. has been with the Battalion during the period 25th February, 1918, to night of 16th/17th September, 1918, and has carried out his duties as Company Quartermaster sergeant in a most capable and efficient manner. Whilst the Battalion has been in the line he has gone forward with the rations twice daily, always going to the most advanced positions of his Company to ensure that every man was provided with hot food. He has never spared himself int he slightest degree, and his devotion to duty has been beyond all praise. Whilst going forward with the rations he has frequently come under extremely heavy fire, and has always displayed admirable coolness and courage. His work in getting the rations forward to his Company during the attack on PERONNE was of the highest order. On each occasion very heavy fire was encountered and it was mainly due to the fine example of coolness and courage he displayed that the ration parties were kept well in hand, and the rations expeditiously delivered. I strongly recommend him for the Meritorious Service Medal.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 5773 Pte George Henry FLETCHER, 1st Pioneer Bn, died of disease, 31 October 1918.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal