Gavin George Bodimeade

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sun, 17/12/2017 - 15:01

First Name:

Gavin

Middle Name:

George

Last Name:

Bodimeade

Mother's Name:

Janet Bodimeade nee Barker

Father's Name:

Arthur Bodimeade

Date Enlisted:

Wednesday, July 7, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Lance Corporal

Unit:

Provo Corps

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Saturday, March 12, 1966

Place of Death:

Sydney, N.S.W.

Details:

Gavin George Bodimeade (Service No 2940) was born in Wollongong, N.S.W., in 1895.

At enlistment he was 19 years old, single, worked as an ironmonger and had served 2 years with the Militia.

Gavin embarked on HMAT A18 Argyllshire with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Reinforcements on 30th September 1915. He disembarked in Egypt on 31st October 1915 but it is unclear from his file if he was sent to Gallipoli, Turkey.

Gavin arrived in France with the 3rd Battalion on 28th March 1916 and served on the Western Front until 19th August 1916, when he was admitted to hospital with appendicitis and shell shock. After being discharged from hospital he remained in England where he was transferred to the Provo Corps on 23rd June 1917. Gavin was promoted to Lance Corporal on 14th November 1918 and remained in England.

In March 1920, he married Mary Hutchings in London, England. He returned to Australia in July 1920 with Mary and their first child. Gavin was discharged on 20th September 1920.

Gavin died in Sydney, N.S.W., in 1966.

Gavin George Bodimeade is commemorated for his service on the Wesley Mission Roll of Honour.

His brother, Reginald Bodimeade (Service No 2941) also served.

Gavin and Reginald were presented with watches at the Sunday School send off. The brothers both sent letters home expressing their gratitude for the Christmas Billy's they had received. Mr Wiseman paid for sheep skin vests for both brothers.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, BODIMEADE G G