John Francis CRANE

Regimental number2300
Place of birthWagga Wagga New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationPlasterer
AddressHighclear Avenue, Punchbowl, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinMother, Mrs H Hutchinson, Highclear Avenue, Punchbowl, New South Wales
Enlistment date22 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name18th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/35/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 30 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll18th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work near Reinecourt on 9 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 14 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'In the advance on 9th August 1918 towards RAINECOURT, east of AMIENS, his company occupied an advanced position under heavy machine gun fire. Private CRANE worked unceasingly as a stretcher bearer at great personal risk. Later, while it was still light, the Company was compelled to withdraw about 300 yards. Not only were casualties caused in the withdrawal, but some wounded were left in the forward positions. Private CRANE worked for over an hour clearing wounded from the whole area in front of his company. All the time the fire of enemy machine guns was extremely heavy. In addition a 77mm battery was firing at point blank range.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal