| Regimental number | 608 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Kirkwell, Scotland |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Occupation | Rancher |
| Address | Glenorchy, Stawell, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 34 |
| Next of kin | Uncle, John Trew, Victoria Parade, Stawell, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Corporal |
| Unit name | 8th Battalion, Headquarters |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/25/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 Benalla on |
| Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 8th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Supplement, No. 29455 (28 January 1916); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 44 (6 April 1916). Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31448 (11 July 1919); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 124 (30 October 1919). Mention in Despatches Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918). |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Cross Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 44 Date: Distinguished Service Order 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. He took command of the whole line when another company commander became a casualty during the advance, and encouraged and inspired his men thoughout the attack by his splendid personal example. When the whole line was held up by direct fire from an enemy field gun he worked his way to a flank under heavy machine gun fire and attacked it single handed, killing five of the crew tih his revolver and capturing the gun, thus allowing the advance to continue. His splendid action not only saved many lives but relieved a very critical situation, and the success of the operations was undoubtedly largely due to his magnificent example.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 137 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Soudan', 12 May 1919; appointment terminated (discharged), 10 September 1919. Medals: Military Cross, Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal Also served in World War II: died 12 June 1942, as V359798 Lt Colonel, HQ North East GP Victoria Line of Communication, Volunteer Defence Corps. |
| Miscellaneous details | Surname incorrectly entered on Embarkation Roll as TRAIL. |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 58 |
| Place of burial | Wangaratta Cemetery, Victoria |
| Sources | NAA: B884, TRAILL John Charles Merriman |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
