John Wilfred Buckeridge
John Buckeridge (Service No 2913) was born in Mosman, Sydney. At enlistment he was single, 19 years old, studying & lived in Wollongong, N.S.W. John had served as a Signal Sergeant with 37th Infantry Militia.
He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A14 Euripides with 17th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement on 2nd November 1915. He arrived in Egypt and was transferred to 55th Battalion on 16th February 1916.
Later that year, on 29th June, John arrived in France and took part in the battle for Fromelle and saw service on the Western Front as a signaller.
John was awarded the Military Medal for his service at Doignes on 2nd April 1917. The recommendation for his Military Medal states: 'At the attack at DOIGNES on 2nd April 1917, this signaller, in conjunction with signaller Wolrige, established communication from Battalion Headquarters to the attaking companies at DOIGNES, and maintained same throughout the fight under heavy artillery barrage and machine gun fire. His energies were unceasing in keeping communication established under most trying circumstances. This signaller has rendered very good service since the Battalion has been on the SOMME, and has always set a good example to his comrades by his gallantry.' The Military Medal was awarded to John on 1st May 1917.
On 1st November, 1918, John was promoted to Lance Corporal.
He was returned to Australia in April 1919 and discharged on 18th July 1919.
In 1927 he married Marjorie Woof in Sydney and the couple had one child.
John enlisted for service in World War II (Service No N241660) and served as a gunner with 10th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps from 27th March 1942 to 25th January 1945.
John died in Sydney in 1977 and is buried in Woronora Cemetery.
John's brother, Charles Stanley Buckeridge (Service No 522) also served and was killed in action at Lone Pine, Gallipoli.