Francis Ernest Powell

First Name: 
Francis
Middle Name: 
Ernest
Last Name: 
Powell
Mother's Name: 
Edith (nee Patmore)
Father's Name: 
Frederick Powell
Date Enlisted: 
Tuesday, January 11, 1916
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Private
Unit: 
18th Battalion
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Cause of Death: 
Accidental electrocution
Details: 

Private Francis Powell (Service no. 4519) was born circa 1895. At the time of enlistment he was a single 20 year old blacksmith who had spent three years in the CMF. He embarked on HMAT A71 Nestor on 9th April, 1916 with 11th Reinforcements 18th Battalion, and saw service on the Western Front.

On 30th September, 1916 Francis was wounded for the first time. He received a shrapnel wound to his left forearm and buttocks. He was evacuated to hospital in England for treatment.

After recovering he spent some time with the Provost Corps, but was returned to the front on 1st August, 1917 with 19th Battalion. He was wounded a further three times, all by gas shell on 2nd December, 1917, 16th April, 1918 and 23rd July, 1918. He was returned to Australia and discharged on 26th July, 1919.

He died in 1926 due to accidental electrocution. Francis Powell is remembered on the Wollongong Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour.