The AIF Project

Frank Werner WIRTNEN

Regimental number2274
Place of birthBjorneborg, Finland
ReligionCongregational
OccupationLabourer
AddressTambo, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Height5' 7"
Weight147 lbs
Next of kinFather, Mr Karl Wirtnen, Bjorneborg, Finland
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date4 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name49th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/66/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A42 Boorara on 16 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll49th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 25 August 1917
Discharge date24 November 1917
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked from Brisbane, 16 August 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 13 October 1916. Admitted to Military Hospital, Bulford, 4 November 1916 (venereal disease, contracted from a prostitute in London, 28 October 1916; stated he had contracted gonorrhoea 3 years previously; self treated); discharged from Military Hospital, Parkhouse, 12 December 1916; total period of treatment for venereal disease: 73 days. Proceeded overseas to France, 8 February 1917; taken on strength, 49th Bn, 13 February 1917.

Admitted to 4th Australian Field Ambulance, 11 April 1917 (influenza); transferred to 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital, Abbeville, 3 May 1917 (diptheria); to 5th Convalescent Depot, 8 May 1917; to 4th Australian Division Base Depot, Etaples, 26 May 1917; rejoined Bn, 6 June 1917.

Found guilty, 25 June 1917, of being absent without leave from midnight, 22-23 June to 6 am, 23 June 1917: awarded 10 days' Field Punishment No. 2, and forfeited total of 11 days' pay.

Admitted to 11th Casualty Clearing Station, 29 June 1917 (otitis); transferred to 1st Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 1 July 1917; to 3rd Rest Camp, 2 July 1917; to England, 23 July 1917, and marched in to No. 2 Command Depot, Weymouth.

Commenced return to Australia for home service, 25 August 1917, Medical Board having found him permanently unfit for General Service due to deafness, condition existing prior to enlistment; disembarked Sydney, 26 October 1917, for onward travel to Brisbane; discharged, 24 November 1917.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal

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