James Fenwick Fenwick

Personal details

Mother's name	Barbara Fenwick
Father's name	James
Date of death	Monday 16 April 1917
Place of death	Lagnicourt, France
Cause of death	Killed in action

Service details

Date enlisted	Sunday 31 January 1915
Rank at enlistment	Private
Rank at discharge	Private
Service	Infantry
Unit	17th Battalion
Company	D
Awards	1914/1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Story

Private James Fenwick (Service no. 1191) was born in Bulli circa 1891. He had spent time in the cadets and at the time of enlistment was described as a 23 year old grocer from Helensburg. He named his Mother as next of kin but this was changed to his wife Emma May before he left Australia.

He embarked on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 12th May, 1915 with D coy 17th Battalion. He saw service on Gallipoli but was evacuated due to illness.

James had an interesting enlistment. He was on a night out in Cairo with mates and found himself a bit under the weather in an establishment when he was arrested and charged with being absent without leave. A court martial was convened and he was found guilty and sentenced to six months. He was returned to Australia to serve this time. His wife made representations to a member of parliament and he was able to get the sentence remitted. James returned to his unit in France in August, 1916 and saw service on the Western Front. On 5th March, 1917 he was recommended for the Military Medal. It states, He displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as leading man of a raiding party when he came into contact with five enemy in no-man's-land. It is unclear if the award was made.

On 15th April, 1917 he was wounded in action receiving a gun shot to his abdomen and while receiving treatment at 3rd Casualty Clearing Station he died from his wound on 16th April, 1917. He is buried in Grevilliers British Cemetery Plot I Row B Grave 10.

James had a brother Robert who also served and died at Fromelle.

James Fenwick Fenwick

Personal details

Service details

Story

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