Henry Herbert Morell

Henry Morell (Service No 150) was born in Wollongong, N.S.W.

At enlistment, Henry was single, 21 years old and worked as a grazier.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A29 Suevic with A Squadron, 6th Light Horse Regiment on 21st December 1916.  Henry's brother Roy was a Sergeant in the same Unit.

On 24th December, while at sea Henry, was promoted to Corporal.   He arrived in Egypt and was sent to Gallipoli on 15th May 1915. Henry saw service on Gallipoli was promoted to Sergeant on 9th August 1915 during the Lone Pine battles.

On 24th November 1915 he was admitted to hospital in Malta due to illness,  and rejoined his unit in Egypt on 13th January 1916.

On 17th March 1916 Henry was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and transferred to 51st Battalion.  He went to France on 16th June 1916 and served on the Western Front.

On 20th August he was promoted to Lieutenant in the field.  Henry was wounded soon after, on 3rd September, and admitted to hospital for treatment of a gun shot wound to his knee.  He returned to 51st Battalion on 3rd November 1916.

On 19th January 1917 Henry was recommended for the Military Cross. The Recommendation reads:  'For consistent meritorious work as Bn. Bombing Officer during the periods 13/17 August 1916, and 2/5 September 1916 when the Battalion was engaged in active operations at MOUQUET FARM near POZIERES.  On 3rd September 1916 Lieut. MORELL had charge of the Bn. Bombing party which assisted in the attack on MOUQUET FARM. Although wounded in the knee, Lieut MORELL continued to lead his men, and the party did splendid work "mopping up" and clearing the dugouts in the farm. A machine gun was destroyed and the crew either killed or taken prisoners. Later, the enemy counter-attacked in force and the remainder of Lieut. MORELL'S party were forced to withdraw, fighting gallantly under their Officer, who although wounded himself, assisted personally in getting three other wounded men to cover. His personal courage and gallant leadership on this occasion was a splendid example to his men.' Commonwealth Gazette dated 4th October 1917.

On 1st January 1918 Henry was promoted to Captain and served until he returned to Australia in November 1918.

On 29th January 1917 he was admitted to hospital after becoming ill with the mumps and returned to his unit on13th March.

On 4th Ocbober 1917, while in London, Henry married Jean Amphlett, an Australian girl who was in England with her mother.  

Henry was discharged medically unfit on 12th March 1919.

Henry enlisted in 2nd AIF on 21st July 1939 and served with 26th Battalion.

He died in Queensland in October 1964.