The AIF Project

Fred Leslie ELLIS

Regimental number9391
Place of birthYass New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationIronmonger
AddressAdelong, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinWife, Mrs E L Ellis, Servicw Hill, Adelong, New South Wales
Enlistment date29 August 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll29 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit name5th Field Artillery Brigade Reinforcement 1
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/33/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A34 Persic on 18 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work near Clery on 1-2 September 1918.
Recommendation date: 5 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near CLERY, near PERONNE, on the night 1st/2nd September 1918. Sergeant ELLIS was in charge of a party of wagons delivering ammunition to the gun pits. On crossing the River SOMME the enemy placed a very heavy gas and high explosive barrage in the valley between him and the Battery. He most gallantly led all teams through the barrage with gas respirators adjusted, supervised the unloading of ammunition and returned to the wagon lines without a casualty. It was essential that every available round be delivered to support the infantry attack on the morning of 2nd September 1918. The enemy during this period shelled fiercely the crossings on SOMME and it required great courage and determination on the part of this Non Commissioned Officer to supervise the passages across the River.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

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

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