Military History

Enlisted as Sapper with 3rd Field Coy Engineers 17.8.1914. Promoted to 2nd Corporal 7.9.1914.
Embarked Fremantle per ‘Medic’ A7 for Egypt 2.11.1914.
Roll Rank 2nd Cpl.
Roll Unit 3rd Field Company Engineers, 3rd Section
Minton disembarked at Suez. He transferred to the Divisional Engineers, then entrained to Alexandria. Joined the MEF and embarked for Gallipoli 5.4.1915. Minton was injured at ANZAC Cove 13.5.1915. He was promoted to Cpl. 1.7.1915. He was transferred of Duty in Egypt 26.7.1915 and disembarked at Alexandria 29.7.1915. Minton was transferred to the 8th Field Coy Engineers at Heliopolis and promoted to Sgt. 26.7.1915. He embarked per HT ‘Minneapolis’ for Alexandria 29.7.1915, then re-embarked for his return to Gallipoli. Minton reported sick with pyrexia (fever of unknown origin) at ANZAC 24.11.1915. He was diagnosed with jaundice and transferred per HS ‘Glenart Castle’ to hospital at Malta 3.12.1915. On recovery, he was transported to Egypt and joined the 4th Pioneers at Tel-el-Kebir Egypt 13.1.1916. The 4th Division was formed in Egypt in February 1916 and was stationed at Suez (AWM 4th Division) Minton was transferred to the 4th Field Coy Engineers and was taken on strength 15.3.1916. He joined the BEF at Alexandria and embarked for France 4.5.1916. Minton disembarked at Marseilles 11.6.1916. He transferred to 4th FCE and was promoted to Lieut. 24.6.1916. The 4th Division repulsed the German advance at Mouquet Farm in September 1916. Minton was wounded in action 2.9.1916. he received GSW to his face and buttocks. He was transferred by Field Ambulance to the 44th Casualty Clearing Station 2.9.1916. He was then transferred to the 7th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne 3.9.1916. Minton embarked for England per HS ‘St. Andrew’ 4.9.1916. He was admitted to the 4th London General Hospital at Denmark Hill 5.9.1916. He was discharged to Perham Downs 15.11.1916. Minton proceeded overseas to France 6.12.1916. He was taken on strength with his unit 13.12.1916. He was awarded a Military Cross 20.11.1917. Minton was promoted to T/Captain and then Captain 10.11.1918. Minton was demobilized. He was granted leave 17.6.1919 to work in a cinema business. He marched out for return to Australia.
Embarked England per ‘Ypiringa’ for Australia 15.11.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 26.12.1919.
Discharged/ Appointment Terminated 9.1.1920.
Final Rank Captain, 4th Field Coy. Engineers.
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Mentioned in Despatches 9.4.1917.
Military Cross Citation (London Gazette 26.3.1918)
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of transport carrying engineering stores to the line, it was due to his skill, determination and disregard of danger that the supplies reached the line over difficult ground and under heavy rifle and shell fire.’
(AWM Honours and Awards)
Notes The 'Ypiranga was a German cargo ship, after Armastice it was ceded to Britain as part of the War Reparations and was used to transport troops back to Australia. Minton died in NSW age 71 years (18.4.1959) and was buried in the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens NSW.

Photos  HMAT 'Medic' 1914. Photographer Hood, Samuel J. Photograph source AWM H19319
              Mouquet Farm 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00005
              4th Pioneers moved on light rail behind the front lines. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00468
              Wounded soldiers waiting to be taken to the Casualty Clearing Station. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM  E00701


Information Source
AWM H19319. HMAT 'Medic' 1914. Photographer Hood, Samuel J. Photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E0000.  Mouquet Farm 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00468. 4th Pioneers moved on light rail behind the front lines. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM   E00701. Wounded soldiers waiting to be taken to the Casualty Clearing Station. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial

AWM Embarkation Roll John Percy Minton
AWM Honours and Awards John Percy Minton
AWM 4th Division, John Percy Minton
NAA: B2455, Minton John Percy
Wise H. and Coy. Western Australian Post Office Directories. SLWA


James Street, Guildford, WA.

Associated Images