John James Lynes Chester
From Our Contribution
 Australia's Fighting Sons of the Empire WA Edition p.187 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | not known 1889 |
| Place of Birth | Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Death | 8 Oct 1959, aged 70 |
| Place of Death | Donnybrook, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 25 years, 1 month |
| Description |
5'4" (1.63m) tall ; 148 lbs 67.132 kg ; fair complexion ; grey eyes ; fair hair |
| Occupation | Locomotive fireman |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | No 4 Mill, Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr T Chester |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 1785 |
| Date of Enlistment | 17 Aug 1914 |
| Rank | Driver |
| Unit/Formation | 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, 8th Battery / 1st Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 2 Nov 1914 ‒ 13 Dec 1914 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A7 Medic |
| Date of Return | 24 Sep 1918 |
| Ship Returned On | SS Kaiser-i-hind |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument | Jarrahdale Honour Roll |
| Medals |
1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
War Service
Had 3 years experience with the 14th Battery in the Militia before enlisting. John joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 4 Apr 1915, and although records are missing it would appear that he served at Gallipoli with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade's 8th Battery, for the entire period of the campaign, probably mustered as a driver.
On their return to Egypt he remustered as a gunner with the 8th Battery at Tel-el-Kebir on 23 Feb 1916. He was AWOL from 6:30am 3 Mar to 7:45am 7 Mar 1916 earning him an admonishment and loss of 5 days pay.
His unit sailed from Alexandria on 23 Mar 1916, arriving at Marseilles on the 29th. On 6 May 1916 he was hospitalised with Venereal Disease in the 2nd Australian General Hospital who passed him on to the 9th Stationary Hospital and then the 18th General Hospital in Camiers. After 57 days he was released to rejoin the 8th Battery and on 19 Oct 1916 he was remustered as a Driver.
On 13 Oct 1917 John again needed medical attention for Venereal Disease, while on leave. Two days after his leave was due to end he was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford on 25 Oct 1917. While a patient he was charged with having been AWOL from 7:30am on 23 Oct 1917 till 10:00am on 25 Oct 1917. Penalty was the forfeiture of 11 days pay. Admitted to Bulford, he remained in hospital receiving treatment until 29 Dec 1917 a total period of 66 days.
Released to depot units, on 28 Jan 1918 at Sutton Veny he was charged with being AWOL from reveille 28 Jan until 3.30pm on 5 Feb 1918. Awarded 14 days Field Punishment No 2, and forfeiture of 25 days pay. From March to June he was at Heytesbury's Artillery Training Depot preparing to rejoin his unit, and on 12 Jun 1918 he proceeded overseas to France again via Southampton. On 24 Sep 1918 he is recorded as embarking for Australia at Taranto. (Was he given leave in Italy with a need to report in Taranto to pick up his ship?)
John was discharged by the 5th Military District on 13 Jan 1919
Post War
In 1919 John married Ellen Ruth Thompson in Fremantle. Ellen died 24 Jul 1985, aged 88. Buried together in Donnybrook cemetery. Two children, Nell and Tom. Electoral Roll entries - in 1919 - 1922 at 5 Bouverie street, Balkatta, sawyer; 1925 cnr Robert 7 Murray street, Bayswater, boot finisher; 1936 - 1937 East Nannup, setter; 1943 - 1958 Emerald street Donnybrook, labourer.
Notes