The AIF Project

John Charles UNDERWOOD

Regimental number4087
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationMining surveyor
AddressBroken Hill, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation42
Next of kinSister, Miss E Underwood, District School, Lithgow, New South Wales
Enlistment date11 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit nameNo 4 Tunnelling Company and 1st Reinforcements (May 1916)
AWM Embarkation Roll number16/13/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A69 Warilda on 25 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Tunnelling Company
FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'On the 20th August 1918, whilst reclaiming a 70' well, a N.C.O. of this unit was overcome by foul air, and fell to the bottom of the well. Sappers 4087 John Charles UNDERWOOD and 7501 Thomas Hector Bruce GOLLAN, being fully aware of the extreme risk they were taking, unhesitatingly entered the foul air and, after great difficulty, brought the unconscious man to the surface. Through the gallantry and untiring efforts of these sappers. Underwood and Gollan, the life of Corporal Starr was saved.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113
Date: 6 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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