The AIF Project

Charles Henry LORKING

Regimental number3373
Place of birthHastings, Sussex, England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationNurseryman
AddressWentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation36
Height5' 5"
Weight136 lbs
Next of kinWife, Mrs. Ellen Kate Lorking, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date23 August 1915
Place of enlistmentWarwick Farm, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name4th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/21/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 13 October 1915
Regimental number from Nominal Roll3373A
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll53rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Unspecified


Refers March-May 1917.
Recommendation date: Unspecified

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 17 September 1918"

FateReturned to Australia 31 March 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'During the period 25 February to 16 September, 1918, he has invariably shown marked gallantry and initiative. He has on several occasions led daylight patrols, and has set a very fine example to those under his command. At Morlancourt, on 29 July 1918, he rendered invaluable assistance to his company commander, and led and controlled his platoon in a most skilful manner. He has served continuously with the battalion since its arrival in France in June 1916 and has taken part in the operations at Fromelles, Beaumetz, Bullecourt and Polygon Wood.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Discharge date9 July 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Allotted to and proceeded to join 53rd Bn.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 28 June 1916.

Wounded in action (gun shot wound, left shoulder); admited to 14th Field Ambulance, 20 July 1916; transferred to 35th General Hospital, Calais, 21 July 1916; to England, 22 July 1916, and admitted to Wharncliffe War Hospital, 23 July 1916. Discharged to AIF Headquarters, London, 8 September 1916.

Marched into 14th Training Bn, 26 September 1916.

Proceded overseas to France, 14 October 1916; rejoined 53rd Bn, in the field, 26 October 1916.

Detached to Divisional Infantry School, 17 November 1916; rejoined Bn, in the field, 23 December 1916.

Promoted Sergeant, 10 April 1917.

Wounded in action (second occasion), 19 May 1917 (contusion of leg), and admitted same day to 8th Field Ambulance; transferred to 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen, 24 May 1917; to Convalescent Depot, Rouen, 26 May 1917; to Base Depot, Buchy, 12 June 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 22 June 1917.

Wounded in action (third occasion),18 April 1918 (mustard gas), and admitted same day to 2/3rd Home Counties Field Ambulance; transferred to 3rd General Hospital, Le Treport; to No 1 Convalescent Depot, 2 May 1918; to Base Depot, Havre, 6 May 1918; rejoined Bn, in the field, 28 May 1918.

To duty with US Army, 20 July 1918; rejoined 53rd Bn, 29 July 1918.

Detached to England for duty with Overseas Training Brigade, 30 August 1918.

Attended 22nd Lewis Gun Course, Australian School of Musketry, Tidworth, 28 September-11 October 1918; qualified 2nd Class and 1st Class in Range Practice.

Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Comenced return to Australia from Liverpool on board HT 'Khyber', 31 March 1919; disembarked Sydney, 6 May 1919; discharged, Sydney, 9 July 1919.

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death10 March 1954
SourcesNAA: B2455, LORKING Charles Henry

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