| Accession Number | H06216 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of 2043 Private (Pte) Ernest William Spark, 21st Battalion from Ballarat, ...
Description
Studio portrait of 2043 Private (Pte) Ernest William Spark, 21st Battalion from Ballarat, Victoria. An 18 year old driver prior to enlisting on 24 July 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 3rd Reinforcements from Melbourne aboard HMAT Anchises (A68) on 26 August 1915. He served with the 21st Battalion at Gallipoli and then went with them to France in March. On the night of 24/25 April 1916 at Fleurbaix, France, while on duty at an advanced listening post, he heard cries for help from no man’s land, went out and found a patrol of three from his battalion who had all been wounded, one fatally. He assisted in bringing them in under heavy enemy fire. For his bravery, Pte Spark was awarded the Military Medal (MM). After being wounded in action on 28 July 1916, he was evacuated to England for medical treatment and recuperation and spent seven months away from his unit. Shortly after being transferred to the 24th Battalion on 13 October, he transferred to the Australian Provost Corps on 10 November 1918. Pte Spark was based in Colombo on duty from April to July and arrived back in Australia on 13 August 1919.