Military History

Cotterell enlisted as a Private 26.4.1916. He was sent to NCO School 9.6.1916 and promoted to Corporal 10.7.19176. He was promoted to Sergeant 16.8.1916. He was then allocated to the Officer School at Duntroon 19.8.1916. After training he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. He took long leave prior to embarkation.
Embarked Cotterell embarked in Melbourne per HMAT ‘Aeneus’ A60 for England 30.10.1917.
Roll Rank 2nd Lieutenant.
Roll Unit 11th Reinforcement. 51st Battalion. Australian Imperial Force.
He disembarked at Devonport with the 11th Reinforcement 51st Battalion 7.12.1917 and marched in to 13th Battalion Training School, Codford. Cotterell was hospitalised with German Measles 28.1.1918. On discharge from hospital he was sent to the Candahar School of Instruction at Tidworth. He proceeded overseas to France via Southampton 6.4.1918. Cotterell fought in the noted assault at Villers-Bretonneux in April 1918. He was subsequently admitted to Hospital with Otis Media in the left ear 4.5.1987. Cotterell was diagnosed with permanent nerve deafness caused by shell burst in trenches at Villers-Bretonneux 15.5.1918. He was invalided to Australia for permanent discharge 13.8.1918.
Embarked Weymouth for Australia 24.8.1918.
Returned/Disembarked Melbourne 15.10.1918.
Discharged/ Appointment terminated 27.10.1918.
Final Rank Lieutenant 51st Battalion. Australian Imperial Force.
Medical Condition Invalided with deafness.
Awards and Medals British War Medal, Victory Medal.

Notes Cotterell married 15.5.1917 before he left for active service. His bride was Daphne Murray of NSW
Information Source
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Cotterell J H
Australian War Memorial Embarkation Roll- John Hubbard Cotterell

Sydney, NSW.