Military History

Embarked Fremantle per HMAT ‘Argyllshire’ A8 for England 9.11.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 7th Reinforcements 48th Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Lovell disembarked at Devonport 10.1.1917. He marched into the 12th Training Battalion at Codford 11.1.1917. After a period of intensive training, Lovell proceeded overseas to France via Southampton 29.5.1917. He was taken on strength with 48th Battalion 21.6.1917. Lovell had his Service No. re allocated to 2939A. The 48th Battalion fought at Pozieres, Mouquet Farm  in 1916 and took part in the Allied Advance on the Hindenburg Line in 1917. Lovell was enaged in action at Westhoek in September 1917. He was awarded a Military Medal for bravery in the Field 14.10.1917. Lovell was hospitalised sick 23.11.1917, rejoined his unit 5.12.1917 and was appointed L/Corporal 11.4.1918.
The 48th Bn. fought at Hollebeke, Flanders in February 1918 and was later engaged in the advance against the Hindenburg line.  Lovell was wounded in action in the Field with a gunshot wound to his neck 15.9.1918, just prior to his Battalions's final action at Verguien. He was transferred to 9th General Hospital in Rouen 19.9.1918. He rejoined his Unit  three months later 1.12.1918. Lovell was granted leave to see family in Bucks 28.2.1919. His leave was extended to 19.5.1919, when he married Dora Carlotte Parrott 24.6.1919. Lovell was granted leave from Embarkation  until 15.7.1919, when he was listed for return to Australia with his wife per ‘Katoomba,’ in the ship’s family wing.
Embarked Tilbury per ‘Katoomba’ for Australia 24.7.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 15.9.1919.
Discharged 30.1.1919.
Final Rank L/Cpl. 4th Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Military Medal recommendation Citation from Col. R.L. Leanne:
‘At Honhe Bosschen (Nonne Bossen) near Westhoek on the night of September 30th/1st October for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This man went out under heavy artillery fire and collected a number of wounded of the 10th Bn. 3rd Bde. AIF who were hit while carrying out relief. He showed great coolness and absolute disregard for his own safety’.
(NAA B2455 Lovell G W)

Notes It is unclear why Lovell’s name is on the St. Matthew’s Church Honour Roll, unless he was related to the Lovell family of Caversham
Photos  HMAT 'Argyllshire' 1914-15. Postcard by Geyer Studio NSW, photograph source AWM P10581.002
              Westhoek Ridge looking towards Nonne Bossen September 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E01037
              48th Bn. front line position at Hollebeke February 1918. Photograph from the Album of H. Downes, photograph source AWM P10688.043.004

Information Source
AWM P10581.002. HMAT 'Argyllshire' 1914-15. Postcard by Geyer Studio NSW, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E01037. Westhoek Ridge looking towards Nonne Bossen September 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM P10688.043.004. 48th Bn. front line position at Hollebeke February 1918. Photograph from the Album of H. Downes, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll George William Lovell
AWM Honour and Awards George William Lovell
St. Matthews Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Lovell George William


Pithara. WA.
Newton Longville, Bucks. England (Father).

Associated Images