John Davie ELDER

Regimental number1524
Date of birth5 December 1888
Place of birthDunfermline, Scotland
ReligionProtestant
OccupationPhysical training teacher
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation26
Height5' 10.25"
Weight137 lbs
Next of kinWife, Alice Elder, c/o Mrs Clarke, Blackett Street, Goodwood, South Australia
Previous military serviceServed for 5.5 years in the Territorial Force, Scotland; time expired.
Enlistment date9 March 1915
Place of enlistmentKeswick, South Australia
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name27th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/44/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A2 Geelong on 31 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal RollAustralian Flying Corps
Promotions

Lieutenant


Unit: 27th Battalion
Promotion date: 9 November 1915

Captain


Unit: 27th Battalion
Promotion date: 5 November 1916

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 27th Battalion
Promotion date: 27 May 1915

FateReturned to Australia 5 September 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He showed great courage and good leadership in getting his company into the trench, and holding onto it, under extremely difficult conditions. He set a splendid example throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 116
Date: 25 July 1917

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry, and devotion to duty. During the assembly of his company, of which he was in command, he sustained a painful wound, but refused to leave until he was satisfied that his company was in position. Finding that the shell splinter could not be removed at the aid post, he returned to his company, led it to the objective, where he re-organized and superintended the consolidation of the position, until his physical condition compelled him to leave the line.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 110
Date: 25 July 1918

Discharge date22 December 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Plassy', 5 September 1919; appointment terminated (discharged: termination of period of enlistment), 22 December 1919.

Medals: Military Cross & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death15 December 1966
Age at death78
SourcesNAA: B2455, ELDER John Davie