The AIF Project

Albert Joseph BONSER

Regimental number6223
Place of birthNortham, Western Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationBricklayer
AddressMeckering, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, William James Bonser, Meckering, Western Australia
Enlistment date3 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name16th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/33/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 13 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll16th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 1 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 11 December 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallant conduct and devotion to duty during the operations near ZONNEBEKE on the 26th September, 1917. This non-commissioned officer was in charge of the rifle grenade section and in the attack showed most excellent judgment and bravery in dealing with and destroying a detached post of enemy troops. He is recommended for distinction.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Discharge date8 March 1919
Other details

War service: embarked from Fremantle, 13 October 1916; disembarked Plymouth, 2 December 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France via Folkestone, 28 December 1916. Taken on strength, 16th Bn, 11 February 1917. Wounded in action, 11 April 1917. Admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol (gun shot wound, right shoulder, severe), 26 April 1917. Rejoined Bn from wounds, 21 August 1917.

Appointed Lance Corporal, 18 September 1917. Awarded the Military Medal, 31 October 1917.

Detached to 1st Australian Corps School, 5 January 1918; rejoined Bn, 26 January 1918.

Wounded in action (bullet wound, left hand and jaw), 5 April 1918. Admitted to Queen's Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, 12 April 1918; transferred to 1st Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield, 27 June 1918; discharged to No 1 Command Depot, Sutton Veny, Wiltshire, 1 July 1918.

Commenced return to Australia, 11 December 1918; discharged, 8 March 1919.

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Date of death6 May 1958
Place of burialKarrakatta Cemetery

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