| Accession Number | P08728.003 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Digital print |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of 1287 Private (Pte) Sydney John Folkes, D Company, 39th Battalion, of Fyans ...
Description
Studio portrait of 1287 Private (Pte) Sydney John Folkes, D Company, 39th Battalion, of Fyans Creek, Vic. A labourer prior to enlistment he embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT Ascanius (A11) on 27 May 1916. With the rank of Lance Corporal, Folkes was awarded the Military Medal (MM) on 12th October 1917, East of Ypres, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. According to the recommendation "After all Company Runners had been wounded, he volunteered to act as a runner in the Forward Area where the shell-fire was intense. Not only did he do this, but when the men were digging in, he assisted and his courage and cheerfulness were a fine example to all who saw him." In July 1918 he was promoted to Sergeant and was later killed in action on 1 October 1918. His brother 1288 Pte George Allan Folkes, 39th Battalion returned to Australia on 19 October 1917.
Sgt Folkes was killed in action on 1 October 1918.