The AIF Project

Adolf Sven ADOLFSON

Regimental number5291
Place of birthFinland
ReligionLutheran
OccupationSailor
Address302 Spencer Street, Melbourne, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Height5' 5"
Weight140 lbs
Next of kinFather, Gustave Adolfson, Borga, Finland, Russia
Enlistment date11 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll11 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A28 Miltiades on 1 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll24th Battalion
FateDischarged 7 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry near Broodseinde in attack on DAISY WOOD on 9/10/17. When the advance had been temporarily held up, this man who was then in charge of a Lewis Gun rushed forward and engaged two enemy posts with success. His No. 2 on the gun became a casualty so Adolfson alone established a post 40 yards ahead of the advance. Here his timely action was responsible for the repulse of a local enemy counter-attack. This man's cheefulness has been a boon to his platoon at all times.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Bar to Military Medal

'During the attack on MT. ST. QUENTIN near PERONNE on 1st September, 1918 this N.C.O. acted as a Stretcher Bearer. His fearlessness and devotion to duty were of the very highest order. For 25 hours he worked without a rest over ground continually swept by shell and machine gun fire, dressing and carrying the wounded, and refused to rest until all his Company's casualties had been disposed of. His initiative and knowledge of German proved invaluable in this action, for he organised squads of Prisoners, and helped them at work for hours stretcher bearing. At HERELEVILLE on 19th August, this man was no less conspicuous. Here on one occasion, with admirable courage he went out alone amid a heavy bombardment, dressed a wounded man and carried him back to safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Discharge date7 April 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked from Melbourne, 1 August 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 25 September 1916. Found guilty, 19 October 1916, of being absent without leave, 12 pm, 4 October, to 10.30 pm, 9 October 1916, and neglect of standing orders: awarded forfeiture of 5 days' pay; total forfeiture: 10 days' pay. Proceeded overseas to France, 19 November 1916; taken on strength, 24th Bn, 21 December 1916.

Admitted to 6th Australian Field Ambulance, 15 March 1917 (rheumatism); transferred to 2nd Division Rest Station, 17 March 1917; discharged to duty, 27 March 1917; rejoined Bn, 27 March 1917. Appointed Lance Corporal, 20 April 1917. Awarded Military Medal. On leave to England, 23 December 1917; rejoined Bn, 13 January 1918.

Wounded in action, 21 March 1918 (gassed); admitted to 5th Australian Field Ambulance, 22 March 1918; transferred to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 22 March 1918; to 55th General Hospital, Rouen, 24 March 1918; to England, 26 March 1918, and admitted to Croydon War Hospital, 26 March 1918; transferred to 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, 23 April 1918; discharged to furlough, 24 April 1918, to report to No. 4 Command Depot, Hurdcott, 8 May 1918. Proceeded overseas to France, 19 June 1918; rejoined 24th Bn, 24 June 1918. Awarded Bar to Military Medal.

Marched out to England, 4 April 1919; disembarked Southampton, 6 April 1919; discharged in London, 7 April 1919.

Total war service: 3 years 56 days

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Intended place of residence post-discharge: Borgoonsog, Borgo, Finland

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