Born at Chidlow’s Well, WA, Presbyterian. Enlisted 13 July 1915 age 18, farmer. Nok mother, Sarah Jane Symonds, Leake St, Cottesloe. Embarked at Fremantle 1 November 1915 per A24 Benalla. Wounded in action gassed in France 7 October 1918. RTA 20 December 1918 per Orontes. Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal, 5 Sept. 1919; 5th Supplement No. 31370 to the London Gazette dated 3rd June, 1919. Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 42, 20 May 1920. Citation: ‘On 27 September, 1918, near Ronsoy, a heavy hostile barrage was put down on the road in rear of the batteries. Direct hits occurred on teams; many drivers were wounded, wagons overturned, and animals stampeded. He immediately assisted in removing the wounded, cleared the road of dead horses, and reorganized the traffic.’ Service medals: DCM, 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM.
