John William Syme

First Name: 
John
Middle Name: 
William
Last Name: 
Syme
Date of Birth: 
Sunday, December 27, 1891
Mother's Name: 
Margaret Syme nee Postlewaite
Father's Name: 
Duncan Syme
Date Enlisted: 
Tuesday, August 18, 1914
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Private
Unit: 
4th Battalion
Company: 
B
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
1914/1915 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Date of Death: 
Wednesday, May 5, 1915
Place of Death: 
Gallipoli, Turkey
Cause of Death: 
Killed in action
Details: 

John William Syme (Service No 279) was 22 years old, single, worked as a locomotive fireman and had served in the Cadets and the Militia.

John became an orphan when he was very young and had to move from Helensburgh, N.S.W. to Lithgow, N.S.W., to live with relatives.

He embarked on HMAT A14 Euripides, with 4th Battalion, B Company, on 20th October 1914, as part of the first contingent. John arrived in Egypt where he trained, until being sent to Gallipoli, Turkey, on 25th April 1915. He survived the early fighting but was killed in action on 5th May 1915. There are no details available and he has no known grave.

John is commemorated for his service on the Lone Pine Memorial, Turkey.

John's brothers Duncan Syme (Service No 4270) and Peter Syme (Service No 2830) also served.

 

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, SYME JOHN WILLIAM