The AIF Project

John Franklin HARRISON

Regimental number1855
Place of birthCreswick Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationTelegraphist
Address11 May Grove, Hawksburn, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinMrs J A Harrison, 11 May Grove, Hawksburn, Victoria
Enlistment date15 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll11 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit nameDivisional Signal Company 3, Section 3
AWM Embarkation Roll number22/13/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Divisional Signal Company
FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For devotion to duty and courage. Sergeant HARRISON is an N.C.O. of a Section of this Company working with the 8th Australian Infantry Brigade. During the night of the 24th/25th April, 1918, and on 25th April, 1918, when the Brigade was at CORBIE, the lines forward to four Battalions in line were many times cut by enemy fire. He, with other linesmen, was out almost continuously repairing them. The lines were particularly long, and this, with the heavy bombardment by both H.E. and gas shells taking place at the time, made his task very difficult and dangerous. Although in the course of his work his eyes and system became affected by gas, his perseverance and zealous devotion to duty were an excellent incentive to those working with him. It was largely due to his untiring efforts and total disregard for danger that communication to the Battalions was maintained almost continuously. He has always been an excellent example to others. '
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

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

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