Joseph Edward SPARKS

Regimental number702
Place of birthIpswich, Queensland
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationClerk
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Height5' 9.5"
Weight140 lbs
Next of kinFather, Edward George Sparks, Lake Street, Cairns, Queensland
Previous military serviceServed for 2 years in the Citizen Military Forces; previously rejected for enlistment on grounds of insufficient chest measurement
Enlistment date12 November 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll20 November 1914
Place of enlistmentCairns, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentSergeant
Unit name15th Battalion, E Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914
Regimental number from Nominal RollComissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 3 July 1915
Discharge date30 November 1915
Other details

War service (AN&MEF): Embarked Cairns, 8 August 1914, for garrison duty, Thursday Island (War Station).

Enlisted, 14 August 1914, for serviceoutside Australia; re-embarked Thursday Island, 16 August 1914, on board HT 'Kanowna', to take part in the capture of German New Guinea.

Taken on strength, Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force, vide Routine Order No 1, dated 6 September 1914.

Returned to Townsville, on account of trouble on board ship caused by the firemen; did not participate in the capture of German New Guinea; discharged, 18 September1914.

Classified as eligible for the British War Medal.