John Hall
From Our Contribution
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| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | not known 1883 |
| Place of Birth | Bamburg, Northumberland, England |
| Death | 24 Mar 1941 |
| Place of Death | Perth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 32 years, 11 months |
| Description |
5'9" (1.75m) tall ; 160lbs 72.575 kg ; fresh complexion ; brown eyes ; dark brown hair |
| Occupation | Mill hand |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | No 1 Mill, Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Sister , Mrs. Jennie Thompson |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 5719 |
| Date of Enlistment | 8 Mar 1916 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit/Formation | 11th Battalion, 18th Reinforcement / 3rd Brigade, 1st Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 15 Jul 1916 ‒ 1 Sep 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A31 Ajana |
| Date of Return | 16 Apr 1920 ‒ 30 May 1920 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A20 Hororata |
| Fate |
Wounded in Action 20 Sep 1917 Menin Road Returned to Australia |
| Monument |
Jarrahdale Honour Roll ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Prior to emigrating to Australia John had served 2 years with the Northumberland Fusiliers.
War Service
A month after entering Blackboy Hill camp, John was allocated to the 18th reinforcement draft for the 11th Battalion, and he travelled with them to England aboard HMAT A31 Ajana, disembarking on 1 Sep 1916. On arrival he was posted to the 3rd Training Battalion at Perham Downs. On 8 Oct 1916 he was admitted to the Northern General Hospital with bronchitis, followed by time recuperating in the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital from 16 Nov - 7 Dec 1916, and on his release he spent time building his strength at Weymouth before being transferred from No 7 Camp at Perham Downs to Larkhill to complete his training. John married Katherine McLeod on 23 Dec 1916 in Perham Downs. Katherine was aged 35, 2 years older than John.
On 25 April 1917 he proceeded overseas to France through Folkestone, and finally was taken on strength by the 11th Battalion on 1 May 1917 at Haplincourt south east of Bapaume. The war diary comments that the day was quiet, weather bright and fine and that more than 100 reinforcements had arrived that day - some only partially trained. John was wounded in Action on 20 Sep 1917, (he was one of 5,013 on that day), when they achieved a strong victory in what became known as the Battle of Menin Road. John's neck wound was caused by shrapnel. Evacuated to England aboard the HS Princesse Elisabeth on 23 Sep 1917 and admitted to the County of Middlesex War Hospital at Napsbury. Released to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital on 3 Oct 1917. Released back to duty on 27 Nov 1917, he did not return to France until 7 Feb 1918, rejoining the 11th Battalion on 12 Feb 1918 via Southampton.
Ill, John was hospitalised from 23 May to 12 Jun 1918. On 15 Oct 1918 John was transferred to AIF Admin Headquarters (AQMG) in England. He was promoted temporary Corporal on 23 Dec 1919, and this rank was confirmed on 23 Mar 1920.
In 1919 he asked for discharge to occur in the UK, but with it agreed to, he had second thoughts, and in January 1920 he withdrew the request. In his original statement he mentioned that two of his brothers who had served in the AIF were killed as had one other who had served in the British Army. He, Katherine and a child returned to Australia on the HMAT A20 Hororata, and he was discharged by the 5th Military District on 14 Aug 1920.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries - 1925 - 1941 at 398a Lord street, East Perth, laborer. Katherine continued to live in Lord street after John's death. Katherine (Kate) survives John by 10 years before dying in Mt Lawley on 27 August 1951 aged 72.
Notes