James Kingsley Gorrell

First Name: 
James
Middle Name: 
Kingsley
Last Name: 
Gorrell
Date of Birth: 
Saturday, October 3, 1891
Mother's Name: 
Amelia Gorrell (nee Waples)
Father's Name: 
James William Gorrell
Date Enlisted: 
Sunday, July 18, 1915
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Corporal
Unit: 
1st Light Horse Field Ambulance
Service: 
Cavalry
Awards: 
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Date of Death: 
Wednesday, June 6, 1973
Place of Death: 
Mosman, N.S.W.
Details: 

James Gorrell (Service No 9857) was born in Unanderra, N.S.W. and was the first of three Gorrell brothers to enlist.

James had joined the Bank of NSW as a clerk in 1910.  He enlisted at Liverpool, N.S.W. when he was 23 years old, and a single man. 

He embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A53 Itria on 18th April, 1916  the 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance, 16th Reinforcement.

When James arrived in Egypt he was attached to the  2nd Australian Stationary Hospital. In mid June 1916 he was admitted to hospital due to illness but in July rejoined 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance.

In August he was transferred to AIF Canteens, and was promoted to Corporal on 1st January, 1917.

August 1917 again saw James in hospital due to illness, and upon recovery he soon rejoined his unit.  Many soldiers suffered from illness in Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine, where James was serving.

On 1st November, 1918 James was appointed temporary Sergeant.

He was demobilised from 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance on 23rd February, 1919, and he then travelled to the UK for leave.

On 1st May 1919 he reported to Reserve Brigade, Australian Artillery and went on to duties Ireland in June. In July 1919  James was granted leave for non military employment.

James returned to Australai in November 1919 and was discharged from the AIF on 8th January, 1920.

In 1925 he married Selena Johnson.

James is commemorated on the Unanderra School Roll of Honour along with both his brothers. He is also on the Bank of NSW Roll of Honour.

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, GORRELL J K