James Francis Morell

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 25/07/2016 - 12:09

First Name:

James

Middle Name:

Francis

Last Name:

Morell

Date of Birth:

Friday, September 25, 1891

Mother's Name:

Frances Morell nee Hopkins

Father's Name:

James Morell

Date Enlisted:

Wednesday, August 11, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Lieutenant

Unit:

45th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Tuesday, June 18, 1974

Details:

James Morell (Service No 3387) was born in Wollongong, N.S.W. and was one of five brothers to enlist.

When James enlisted at the age of 23, he was single and worked as a station manager. James had previously served in the 2nd Light Horse Militia.

He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln with 11th Reinforcements, 13th Battalion on 13th October 1915. He was posted to 45th battalion in Egypt on 3rd April 1916 and promoted to Corporal on 13th April 1916. On 5th May 1916 he was further promoted to Sergeant

James arrived in France on 2nd June 1916 where he served on the Somme. James received another promotion on 23rd August 1916, to 2nd Lieutenant.

In October 1916 he was admitted to hospital with malaria.

On 5th February 1917 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served on the Western Front.

James was fortunate to never be wounded, but he had a number of hospital admissions for illness.

On 21st August 1917 he married Harriet Busby in London, after which he returned to France and served until late in the war.

Due to issues with a property he owned with his brothers he obtained permission to return to Australia early, and returned in June 1916, serving as ships adjutant. James was discharged on arrival in Australia.

James and Harriet went on to have 4 children.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, MORELL JAMES FRANCIS