Joseph Puckeridge

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 19/12/2016 - 09:19

First Name:

Joseph

Last Name:

Puckeridge

Date of Birth:

Monday, November 10, 1890

Mother's Name:

Mary Ann Puckeridge nee Simpson

Father's Name:

Edward Puckeridge

Date Enlisted:

Tuesday, September 21, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

55th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Sunday, April 8, 1951

Place of Death:

Wollongong, N.S.W.

Details:

Joseph Puckeridge (Service No 3900) was born in Shellharbour, N.S.W.

At enlistment Joseph was single, 24 years old, worked as a labourer, and lived in Wollongong.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A54 Runic with 9th Reinforcements, 19th Battalion on 20th January 1916. The troops arrived in Egypt on 26th February 1916 and Joseph was transferred to 55th Battalion on 3rd April.

On 18th May 1916 he was admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from pneumonia.

On 29th June 1916, Joseph arrived in France and saw service on the Western Front.

Joseph was awarded the Military Medal for his work on 26th September 1917 while fighting at Polygon Wood with 55th Battalion.

The recommendation for his Military Medal reads: 'This stretcher bearer did remarkably good work during the attack on POLYGON WOOD on 26th September 1917. He worked unceasingly under heavy shell fire tending the wounded and removing them to places of safety. His bravery and coolness under fire inspired those near him and his work was most willingly done.' Commonwealth Gazette No 76, 23rd May 1918. The award was presented on 14th January 1918.

Joseph was returned to Australia in May 1919 and discharged from the AIF on 18th August 1919.

On 20th September 1919 he married Esther Fishlock in Wollongong and they raised 7 children. Joseph worked for Wollongong Council after the war.

He died in Wollongong in 1951 and is buried in Wollongong Cemetery.

Joseph's brother Walter also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, PUCKERIDGE JOSEPH