The AIF Project

Joseph Charles HAWKENS

Regimental number1042
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationHorseman
AddressGraham Road, Broadmeadow, Newcastle, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinFather, J Hawkens, Graham Road, Broadmeadow, Newcastle, New South Wales
Enlistment date27 October 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, E Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 25 October 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations near GUEUDECOURT from 15th November, 1916, to 6th December, 1916, these N.C.O.s and men did most excellent work as members of the Divisional Pack Transport Troops. They are selected from the 256 N.C.O.s and Drivers as having set a fine example to the remainder by their coolness under fire, determination, and resource. They never failed in getting the mules up to Battalion Headquarters although they came constantly under shell fire, during which a number of mules were killed. Their work was done at night under the most difficult conditions, and they were instrumental in saving a number of valuable animals from drowning when bogged in shell holes in the portion of their journey beyond Brigade Headquarters, which was under constant shell fire. '
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917

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

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.