The AIF Project

John Herbert FARRELL

Regimental number2612
Place of birthPanmure Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationButcher
AddressGarvoc, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinFather, Michael Farrell, Garvoc, Victoria
Enlistment date23 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name6th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/23/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 26 August 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Great bravery and skill with Lewis gun, materially assisting success of attack. (East of Ypres)'
Recommendation date: 11 October 1917

Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 17 July 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


'Work at Lihons on 9 August 1918.'
Recommendation date: 17 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 5 January 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Lihous on 9 August 1918. He was the only man of his section left, so he attached himself to another company, taking charge of a gun section which had lost its leader. At the head of his section he stormed a strong post in a quarry, driving the enemy out. Although wounded, he continued in control of his men until he was again wounded, and had to be carried off the field.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Military Medal

'On 4/5th October, 1917 during the attack on BROODSEINDE Ridge east of YPRES this man showed great bravery and skill in the use of his Lewis Gun in the attack on a strong point in the road. He succeeded in preventing the enemy machine guns from causing damage and continued to use his gun after he had been wounded through the side. His gallant action did much towards the capture of this Strong Point. He remained on duty until the Battalion was relieved when he evacuated.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Family/military connectionsBrother: 28 Pte Michael Thomas FARRELL, 8th Light Horse Regiment, died of wounds, 5 June 1918.
Date of death28 September 1938

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