James COLVIN

Regimental number1923
Place of birthWalhalla, Victoria
SchoolState School, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationHairdresser
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinMother, Mrs C Colvin, 82 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy, Victoria
Previous military serviceServed in Cadets.
Enlistment date27 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 17 April 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Lieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Gallantry and devotion to duty in carrying out rescue work and attending to the wounded. (East of Ypres on 4 October 1917)'
Recommendation date: 11 October 1917

FateKilled in Action 9 August 1918
Place of death or woundingAmiens, France
Date of death9 August 1918
Age at death21.7
Age at death from cemetery records21
Place of burialHeath Cemetery (Plot IV, Row A, Grave No. 4), Harbonnieres, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
43
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: James and Caroline COLVIN, 82 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy, Victoria. Native of Walhalla, Victoria
Medals

Military Medal

'At all times during the operations east of Ypres on 4th October, 1917, this N.C.O. displayed the greatest coolness and his cheerfulness inspired all men who came into contact with him. His work consisted in attending to wounded, and digging men out who were buried. Regardless of his own personal safety, he moved along the trench cheering the men and showed initiative in moving his men to escape shell fire wherever necessary.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

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