| Regimental number | 519 |
| Place of birth | Hobart, Tasmania |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Zeehan, Tasmania |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 32 |
| Height | 5' 5" |
| Weight | 154 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, W Porthouse, 37 Prospect Terrace, Ponsonby, New Zealand |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Claremont, Tasmania |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | Machine Gun Company 4, Reinforcement 8 |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 24/9/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Corporal |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Photo: Andrew Richardson |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous coolness and initiative in operations against HINDENBURG LINE on 18th September 1918. Lance Corporal PORTHOUSE was No. 1 on a Machine Gun which accompanied "D" Company 13th Battalion. On reaching the halt line they came under heavy fire from enemy machine guns firing from HEART COPSE. Lance Corporal PORTHOUSE instantly saw the position and locating the enemy guns, chose a position from where he could obtain direct shooting. The position being in the line of fire from an enemy anti-tank gun PORTHOUSE personally took his gun out, engaged and silenced the enemy machine guns and then engaged the anti-tank gun, inflicting casualties on the crew. By his coolness and personal disregard of danger he inspired confidence to his men and set a wonderful example of leadership and initiative.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Swakopmund', 15 June 1919; disembarked, Tasmania, 14 August 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Hobart, 19 October 1919. Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 65 |
| Place of burial | Rookwood Necropolis, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, PORTHOUSE John William |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
