The AIF Project

Basil Gunnis ADAM

Regimental number4608
Place of birthBeaufort, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressWurrook, Ivanhoe, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Weight140 lbs
Next of kinFather, Dr Basil John Adam, Wurrook, Ivanhoe, Victoria
Previous military serviceSenior Cadets (1 year)
Enlistment date6 October 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll6 October 1915
Place of enlistmentMelbourne, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Malwa on 21 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll24th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Work at Westhoek on 20 September 1917.
Recommendation date: 25 September 1917

FateReturned to Australia 29 May 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry in action at WESTHOEK. During the attack on the morning of the 2th inst., [2 September 1918] he showed the utmost coolness and courage whilst under heavy shell fire carrying ammunition to the frontline. When returning he in Coy. [sic] with Pte LORIMER found a wounded runner of a attacking Btn. carrying a important despatch. He took the despatch and delivered it and retuned with a Stretcher. He and Pte. LORIMER carried the wounded runner to the dressing station. Pte. ADAM has since been evacuated wounded.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 66
Date: 2 May 1918

Discharge date13 September 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Found guilty, at sea, 6 June 1916, of conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline (smoking between decks): award, forfeits 1 day's pay.

Proceeded overseas to France from 6th Training Bn, England, 16 September 1916.

Taken on strength of 24th Bn, Belgium, 29 September 1916.

Admitted to No 5 Australian Field Ambulance, 26 November 1916, and transferred to No 38 Casualty Clearing Station the same day (trench feet); to Ambulance Train, 28 November 1916; to No 11 Stationary Hospital, Rouen, 29 November 1916; to No 2 Convalescent Depot, Rouen, 4 December 1916; discharged to Base Details, 6 December 1916 (Class 'A'); marched into No 2 Australian Divisional Base Depot, Etaples, 8 December 1916.

Rejoined 24th Bn, 18 January 1917.

Admitted to Anzac Scabies Hospital, 11 February 1917; discharged to duty, 18 February 1917, and rejoined 24th Bn the same day.

Admitted to No 6 Australian Field Ambulance, 26 April 1917, and transferred to Divisional Rest Station the same day (diarrhoea); discharged, 4 May 1917; rejoined unit, 5 May 1917.

Admitted to No 6 Australian Field Ambulance, 22 September 1917 (not yet diagnosed); transferred to Casualty Clearing Station, no date stated; to No 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital, Wisques, 23 September 1917 (shellshock, classified as wounded); to No 1 South African General Hospital, Abbeville, 28 September 1917; to No 5 Convalescent Depot, Cayeux, 4 October 1917; discharged, 7 February 1918; marched into Australian Intermediate Base Depot, Le Havre, 8 February 1918.

Proceeded to unit, 28 February 1918; rejoined 24th Bn, 3 March 1918.

On leave to England, 8 March 1918; rejoined unit, 26 March 1918.

Promoted Lance Corporal, 6 September 1918.

On leave to England, 22 February 1919; rejoined unit, 11 March 1919 (also stated as returning from leave on 28 February 1919).

Proceeded to England for return to Australia, 7 April 1919; marched into No 1 Command Depot, Sutton Veny, 12 April 1919.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Rio Negro', 29 May 1919; disembarked Melbourne, 22 July 1919; discharged Melbourne (medically unfit), 13 September 1919.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death1 February 1955
SourcesNAA: B2455, ADAM Basil Gunnis

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