The AIF Project

John Alfred STAPLEY

Regimental numberPTE
Place of birthHythe, England
ReligionCongregational
OccupationLabourer
AddressPort Pirie, SA
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Height5' 9.5"
Weight132 lbs
Next of kinMo, Mrs Fanny Stapley, 17 Windmill Street, Hythe, Kent, England
Previous military service05/11/1991 Nil
Enlistment date17 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll17 February 1916
Place of enlistmentPort Pirie, South Australia
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name43rd Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/60/1
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll43rd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 25 September 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Alfred John and Fanny STAPLEY. Plaque in South Australian Garden of Remembrance.
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night of 5th/6th July, 1917, while in the trenches east of MESSINES, this N.C.O. was in charge of a protective patrol in front of our line, while a relief was in progress. A strong enemy patrol was seen approaching our line, and as they were in superior numbers Lance Corporal STAPLEY ordered his patrol to take cover in shell holes, and engage the enemy patrol; he was wounded but stuck to his post and continued to throw bombs until assistance arrived. In this action he showed great coolness and bravery, and without doubt prevented serious casualties to his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Discharge date3 January 1920
Other details

War service: Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Port Denison', 25 September 1919; disembarked Melbourne, 13 November 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Adelaide, 3 January 1920.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal

Death attributed to war service.
Date of death2 October 1938
Age at death47
Place of burialPort Pirie Cemetery, South Australia
SourcesNAA: B2455, STAPLEY John Alfred

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