The AIF Project

James VERNON

Regimental number3144
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressFentonbury via Russell, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinMother, Mrs E Hanlon, Fentonbury via Russell, Tasmania
Enlistment date18 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll13 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/25/5
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 4 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll57th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'North East of VILLE SUR ANCRE during the night 4th/5th July Corporal VERNON was in charge of a Patrol covering a working party engaged in the construction of a line of posts which were being pushed forward in order to conform with the advance made on the immediate right on morning of July 4th. This patrol was attacked by the garrisons of adjacent enemy posts on no less than three occasions. Despite the enemy's superior numbers, VERNON completely repulsed each attack, caused the enemy parties casualties and enabled our Working Party to complete and occupy the posts under construction before daybreak. The courage and leadership of this N.C.O. is of a very high order and is a fine example to the men of his Company.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Bar to Military Medal

'Near DOINGT on 5th September Corporal VERNON displayed great dash and courage and materially assisted the successful advance of his Company by pushing forward his Lewis Gun and giving covering fire to enable the rest of the Company to advance. At one stage he pushed 200 yards ahead and, although fired at from three different directions, he succeeded in mounting his gun and compelling the enemy to retire from the position which threatened the flank of the Company, inflicting heavy casualties on them as they retreated.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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