John Henderson

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Wed, 18/10/2017 - 13:56

First Name:

John

Last Name:

Henderson

Mother's Name:

Christina Henderson (nee Blackwood)

Date Enlisted:

Friday, December 3, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

1st Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1914/1915 Star

Date of Death:

Wednesday, April 20, 1938

Place of Death:

Sydney, NSW

Details:

John Henderson (Service no 5120) was single, 40 years of age, employed as a labourer, resided in Kiama, NSW and enlisted with the Waratah March in NSW.

He was actually 46 years old at the time.

John embarked on SS Makarini with the 1st Battalion, 16th Reinforcements on 1 April 1916. He arrived in France on 17 May 1916 and served with 1st Battalion until attached to 1st ANZAC Headquarters on 8 November 1916.

John suffered from illness during his service and was hospitalised suffering from influenza in April 1917 when the King and Queen came to visit. A letter home to his sister tells of his pleasure about this event.

John was repatriated to Australia on 27 July 1917 due to being overage , he turned 46 on last birthday, and was discharged on 5 November 1917.

John received a huge welcome home and was met by his sister.

He died in 1938 and is remembered on the Kiama War and Public School War Memorials.

His half brother, Alfred Henderson (Service no 2945) also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, HENDERSON J 5120