James Allan Downie

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Tue, 14/07/2015 - 14:15

First Name:

James

Middle Name:

Allan

Last Name:

Downie

Date of Birth:

Saturday, November 21, 1891

Mother's Name:

Margaret Jane Downie (nee McGee)

Father's Name:

James Downie

Date Enlisted:

Tuesday, February 9, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Sergeant

Unit:

Field Ambulance

Company:

5th

Service:

Artillery

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Thursday, December 11, 1947

Place of Death:

Bulli, N.S.W.

Details:

James Downie (Service No 2780) was a single 24 year old farrier from Woonona, N.S.W. when he enlisted. He was promoted a few days later to Farrier Sergeant.

James embarked on HMAT A31 Ajana on 31st May 1915 with 5th Field Ambulance. He saw service on Gallipoli arriving there on 10th August 1915.

After the evacuation he served in Egypt and then the Western Front. On 2nd December 1917 he transferred to 7th field Artillary Brigade and remained with them till he returned home in April 1919.

He was discharged on 30th July 1919. There is mention on his file of a recommendation for Mentioned in Despatches dated 24th January 1919 but no information if it was awarded. His brother Albert Downie (Service No 4371) also served

In 1920 he married Margaret Doel.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, DOWNIE J A