John Edwin Ffoulkes DCM
From Our Contribution
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| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | not known 1892 |
| Place of Birth | Festimog, Wales |
| Death | 17 Oct 1962, aged 70 |
| Place of Death | Tinkurin, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 22 years, 8 months |
| Description | 5'10" (1. m) tall; weight 154 lbs ( kg); fair complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair. |
| Occupation | farm teamster |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Address | Serpentine, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father Edwin Ffoulkes |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 4030 |
| Date of Enlistment | 2 Aug 1915 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit/Formation | 16th Battalion, 12th reinforcement / 4th Brigade, 4th Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 22 Dec 1915 - ? Jan 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A31 Ajana |
| Date of Return | 28 Feb 1919 - 7 Apr 1919 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A68 Anchises |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument |
Serpentine Roll of Honour ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entry - 1017 farm labourer at 'Twrgwyn', Serpentine.
War Service
After three months basic training, John was allocated to the 12th reinforcement draft for the 16th Battalion, and travelled with them as a signaller to Egypt. Soon after arrival he was hospitalised with the 4th Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Cairo on 12 Feb 1916 with mumps. Returned to duty 3 Mar 1916.
John was taken on strength by the 16th Battalion at Tel-el-kebir on 7 Mar 1916 as part of the major reshuffle of units to create addition Divisions for the Western Front. On 1 Jun 1916 he and the battalion embarked on the HMT Canada for Marseilles, France, arriving there on 9 Jun 1916.
On 20 May 1917 he was appointed Lance Corporal, and two days later he was promoted Corporal as the battalion rebuilt its strength in billets at Ribemont and Doulieu.
Awarded the DCM via 1st Anzac Routine Orders No. 88 dated 31 Oct 1917,and from 18 Feb 1918 to 20 Mar 1918 he attended a signal school. Following this training he was on several occasions detached to the 4th Army Signal School. He also enjoyed a fortnight's leave in England from 27 Aug until 14 Sep 1918.
One of the early ones to be sent home, he returned to England on 27 Jan 1919, and was on his way to Australia a month later. John spent four days in 8th Australian General Hospital Fremantle from 23 - 26 May 1919 receiving treatment for a septic hand prior to his discharge, later on the day he left hospital.
Award Comment
Distinguished Conduct Medal
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was one of a party detailed to establish forward communications during an attack. The officer in charge and all the party became casualties while advancing, but he went forward alone and established and maintained communication, working under heavy fire with untiring energy and complete disregard of personal safety. He set a fine example of courage and determination."[1], [2]
Post War
In 1920 John married Alice May Preston in Perth. Alice died 3 Apr 1947 in Wongan Hills.
Electoral Roll entries - 1922 - 1958 farmer at 'Tregayan Farm', Wongan Hills