The AIF Project

Francis Bertram WEBBER

Regimental number2844
Date of birth9 June 1885
Place of birthPrahran, Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationSaddler
AddressVesper Street, Wagin, Western Australia
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation29
Next of kinWife, Mrs Mary Webber, Vesper Street, Wagin, Western Australia
Enlistment date9 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name28th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/45/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 2 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll51st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'On 26th September 1917 during the attack on Zonnebeke Ridge, N.E. of Ypres, this N.C.O. commanded a Lewis Gun Section and rendered very special service. Although wounded in the left hand very early in the operation he carried on and during consolidation of the captured position engaged several hostile machine guns and aircraft. Again when enemy were observed forming up for counter attack on our left, he at once opened fire and inflicted casualties. Several of his section became casualties but CPL Webber continued at his post until his company was relieved. His conduct and cheerful manner proved of great value as an example to his comrades.'

FateReturned to Australia 23 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Discharge date7 July 1919
Other details

War service: rejected on medical grounds at first attempt to enlist; underwent unspecified operation.

Enlisted 9 September 1915; Private, 28th Depot Bn. Embarked from Australia, 2 November 1915. Transferred to 51st Bn in Egypt, 3 March 1916. Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 5 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 12 June 1916.

Promoted Corporal, 25 April 1917. Admitted to 13th Australian General Hospital, Belgium, with sprained right ankle, 20 June 1917 (injury not sustained in the performance of military duties); transferred to 6th Convalescent Depot, 29 June 1917; to 4th Australian General Base Depot, 12 July 1917, and found guilty of being absent without leave: severely reprimanded and ordered to forfeit 2 days' pay. Rejoined unit, 22 August 1917. Wounded in action but remained on duty, 26 September 1917.

Awarded the Military Medal, 14 October 1917. On leave to the United Kingdom, 30 January 1918; returned from leave, 18 February 1918. Found guilty of being absent without leave, 5 March 1918: severely reprimanded and awarded forfeiture of 3 days' pay.

Wounded in action (bullet wound to right thigh), and admitted to 1st Australian General Hospital, 24 April 1918. Embarked for England, 1 May 1918, and admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital, Stourbridge, Birmingham, 2 May 1918. Discharged to No. 3 Convalescent Depot, Hurdcott, 18 June 1918. Admitted to Group Hospital, Hurdcott, with broken down wounded leg, 26 August 1918. Marched out to No. 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 12 September 1918. Admitted sick to hospital, Weymouth, 12 November 1918; discharged 14 November 1918.

Embarked from Liverpool on board 'Czar' for return to Australia, 24 March 1919; transferred to 'Dongola' at Alexandria for remainder of voyage to Australia, 10 April 1919. Disembarked Perth, 7 May 1919. Discharged, 7 July 1919.

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

After his return to Western Australia he was unable to find work. Following the death from influenza of his youngest daughter in December 1920 he went to Victoria where he found employment as a cook for the workers on the Great Ocean Road project.
Date of death6 November 1956
Age at death71
Place of burialKarrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Western Australia

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