Joseph Thompson HELY

Regimental number9604
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationMotor engineer
Addressc/o W S Allardice, Glenmore, Patrick Street, Hurstville, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinSister, Lily Muriel Hely, Patrick Street, Hurstville, New South Wales
Enlistment date21 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit nameArmy Service Corps 20, Reinforcement 3
AWM Embarkation Roll number25/106/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 17 December 1915
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Motor Transport Company
FateReturned to Australia 28 March 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'On the morning of 9th August 1918 during operations carried out by the 5th and 2nd Australian Divisions East of VILLERS-BRETTONEUX. This soldier was evacuating wounded in a Sunbeam Motor Ambulance Car from the LOADING POST, EAST OF HARBONNIERES to the A.D.S. at LAMOTTE-EN-SANTERRE. Although this village was being heavily shelled and two Ambulance Cars had been put out of action by enemy fire, he cheerfully continued his evacuation of wounded under the most trying conditions until a safer route had been established. His conduct was gallant and he set a fine example to his fellow drivers. Again on the night of 9th August 1918 he volunteered to assist in the evacuation of cases from the 1st Australian Division Loading Posts, his own POST being clear of wounded. He continued on duty in the forward area for twenty four hours, continuously evacuating cases through shelled areas - EAST of HARBONNIERES to the 1st AUSTRALIAN DIVISION A.D.S. at BAYONVILLERS. Throughout the operations he has shown great coolness and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Date of death22 April 1984