Samuel Vivian Mortimer
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 26 Jan 1890 |
| Place of Birth | Gingin, Western Australia |
| Death | 30 Apr 1979, aged 89 |
| Place of Death | Perth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 25 years, 8 months |
| Description | 5'7" (1.70m) tall; weight 140 lbs (63.5 kg); fair complexion, blue eyes, and fair hair. |
| Occupation | labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father Mr William Thomas Mortimer |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 2735 |
| Date of Enlistment | 9 Aug 1915 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 27th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement transferred to 10th Battalion / 3rd Brigade, 1st Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 27 Oct 1915 - unknown in Port Suez |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A24 Benalla |
| Date of Return | 20 Dec 1917 - 12 Feb 1918 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A54 Runic |
| Fate |
Wounded in Action 1 Oct 1917 at Ypres Returned to Australia |
| Monument | none currently |
| Medals |
1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entries - 1912 - 1913 Albany road, Bedfordale, wood cutter
War Service
Born in Western Australia, he enlisted in South Australia, while his NOK continued to live in Armadale.
Travelled to Egypt as a reinforcement for the 27th Battalion, but after completing his training in Egypt with the 7th Training Battalion, he was sent to join the 10th Battalion at Serapeum.
Arrived in Marseilles, France from Egypt on 3 Apr 1916 aboard HMT Saxonia. Reported ill on 26 Nov 1916, he was seen first by the 2nd Australian Field Ambulance, before being hospitalised in the 2nd Australian General Hospital at Boulogne on 2 Dec 1916 with laryngitis, and later sent to England on the HS Jan Breydel, with it taking until 10 Apr 1917 before he rejoined his battalion.
On 1 Oct 1917 while relieving the 48th Battalion in the reserve trenches near Westhoek Ridge in Belgium, Sam was one of the casualties of a heavy German artillery bombardment. (Five killed and 24 wounded.) A high explosive shell fragment had hit his right arm, leading to it being amputated just above the elbow 11 hours after the injury, as all bones between the wrist and elbow were shattered.
He was seen first by the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance, before entering the 3rd Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne. Embarked on the HS Stad Antwerpen he was transported to England where he entered the 1st Southern General Hospital in Birmingham.
Once his condition was stable, he was transferred to the 1st Auxiliary Hospital in Harefield for rehabilitation. On recovery he was released to the depot at Weymouth from where he returned to Melbourne, Australia. Disembarked in Melbourne he travelled overland to Adelaide.
Spent time in No 7 Australian General Hospital at Keswick, South Australia prior to his discharge.
Discharged 4th Military District, Keswick Barracks, Adelaide on 14 Aug 1918.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries - 1934 - 1943 farmer at "Bindoon", Mooliabeenie with Gladys Caroline Elizabeth (sister?); 1949 - 1954 no occupation, alone at 315 Wellington street, Perth; 1958 at 41a Railway parade, Mt Lawley; 1963 at 248-252 Hay street, Perth; 1968 167 Beaufort street, North Perth; 1972 - 1977 at 553 Murray street Perth.
In 1954 Gladys is at 12 Ninth avenue, Maylands, working as a shop assistant. No later entry for her anywhere in Australia.
Notes
National Archives Index gives his Registered No as 2738, but all documents show 2735.