Edwin Powell

Edwin Powell (Service No 168) was born in Yass, N.S.W. Edwin enlisted when he was 26 years old. At the time he was working as carpenter and living in Crown Street, Wollongong.  According to the Illawarra Mercury of 30 November 1915, Edwin was the son of the Wollongong Station master.

Edwin was attached to the 13th Battalion, A Company, and embarked with his Unit from Sydney, on board HMAT A14 Euripedes on 19 October, 1914.

In May 1915, Edwin was promoted to Lance Corporal, and this was soon followed by promotion to Corporal on 14 August 1915.

Edwin served in both Egypt and on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where he was one of the original landing party at the Dardanelles. While serving in the Gallipoli Campaign, Edwin was invalided to Egypt then sent home to Australia to recuperate, on board the SS Aeneus on 31 October, 1915. The 30 November edition of the Illawarra Mercury reports a reception held by the Mayor of Wollongong, for Corporal Powell at this time.

It was not long before Edwin was back with his Unit, performing outstanding active service. He was mentioned in General Sir Ian Hamilton's Despatch of 11 December 1915, General Hamilton stating:

‘I have the honor to submit herewith the name of No. 168, Lance-Corporal E. Powell, 3rd Battalion, whose services I wish to bring to your Lordship’s notice in connexion with the operation described in my despatch of 11th December, 1915.’

The London Gazette of 28 January 1916 (No 29455) and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 6 April 1916 (No 44) offiically recorded Edwin's Mention in Despatches Award.

Corporal Edwin Powell returned to Australia on 31 October 1915, and was finally discharged from the AIF as medically unfit, on 12 May 1916.

Edwin's name is included on the Wollongong War Memorial, and on the Memorial Rolls at Wollongong Public School and Corrimal Public School.