Military History

Sinclair enlisted as a Gunner with 3rd FAB at Guildford, WA. 3.6.1916 – 31.8.1916. He was transferred to Maribyrnong, Vic. for further training. He was initially recorded as a Driver with the 108th Howitzer Brigade 31.8.1916 – 9.10.1916 and was transferred to the 10th FAB prior to embarkation 9.10.1916.
Embarked Melbourne per HMAT A30 ‘Borda’ for UK 19.10.1916.
Roll Rank Gunner.
Roll Unit 10th Field Artillery Brigade, 6th Reinf.
Sinclair disembarked at Plymouth 9.1.1917. He marched into his Training Bn. at Larkhill. Sinclair proceeded overseas to France from Southampton 19.6.1917. He was taken on strength with the 4th Divisional Artillery column (DAC) 2.8.1917, then transferred to the 38th Battery 3.8.1917. Sinclair transferred to the 10th FAB 10.8.1917. He was wounded in action with gas poisoning Third Battle of Ypres 9.11.1917 at the (also recorded as 1.11.1917). Sinclair rejoined his unit 27.11.1917. He was promoted to T/Bdr 2.9.1917 and then to Bdr. 23.12.1918. Sinclair took 2 weeks leave in England 5.4.1919-19.4.1919 and returned to his Unit in France. He marched out of France for return to Australia 20.5.1919 and disembarked at Southampton the next day. Sinclair marched in to No.4 Group and waited another 2 months for his embarkation.
Embarked England per ‘City of Exeter’ for Australia 12.7.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 16.8.1919.
Discharged 24.9.1919
Final Rank Bombardier 10th FAB.
Medical Condition NK
Awards and Medals British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Photos HMAT 'Borda'. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source AWM PB0277
             Training at Larkhill. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM H13936a
             Australian Artillery hauling guns over muddy terrain Sept. 1917 near Ypres. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00831
             Gassed Australian soldiers awaiting treatment, Boise deL'Abbe 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E04851

Information Source
AWM PB0277. HMAT 'Borda'. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM H13936a. Training at Larkhill. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00831. Australian Artillery hauling guns over muddy terrain Sept. 1917 near Ypres. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E04851. Gassed Australian soldiers awaiting treatment, Boise deL'Abbe 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Sinclair John Alexander
AWM Embarkation Roll: John Alexander Sinclair

C/- Geraldton, WA.

Associated Images