Wilfred William Stumbles

Wilfred Stumbles (Service no 219/1816) was born in Wollongong, NSW.

At the time of enlistment Wilfred was single, 28 years of age, employed as a clerk with the railways and resided in Wollongong, NSW.

Wilfred embarked in early 1915 with 1st Australian Field Ambulance and arrived at Gallipoli, Turkey on 11 July 1915.  He served there as a stretcher bearer until he was evacuated sick in September 1915.

Wilfred was returned to Australia in July 1916 with rheumatism.  He was medically discharged on 7 September 1916.

Wilred re-enlisted on 5 January 1917 and embarked on HMAT A18 - Wiltshire with Section 1 on 7 February 1917.

Wilfred arrived in England on 12 April 1917 and was sent to France where he joined 6th Broad Guage Railway.  On 1 December 1917. Wilfred was promoted to Sergeant and on 15 January 1918 became the acting Company Sergeant Major.

Wilfred was granted leave in England for work from 22 March 1919 until 22 June 1919.

He returned to Australia as canteen staff in July 1919 and was discharged on 17 October 1919.

Wilfred was awarded the Military Medal in 1919, the citation reads, Whilst under heavy enemy shell fire from 12 midnight to 9 OO am on 29th April 1918, this NCO showed excellent gallantry and devotion to duty in attending to the marshalling of trains and removing traffic in PROVEN yard. He also rendered first aid to several men although he himself was in constant danger of enemy shell fire. Commonwealth Gazette No 23 Dated 12th February 1919.

In 1919 Wilfred married Linda Morley and he died in 1957.

Wilfred is buried in Woronora Cemetery.

Wilfred's father William Stumbles (Service no 1389) also served.