| Accession Number | H06204 |
|---|---|
| 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 Captain George Alfred Wells MC, Royal Flying Corps from Seacombe via Sale, ...
Description
Studio portrait of Captain George Alfred Wells MC, Royal Flying Corps from Seacombe via Sale, Victoria. A 21 year old farmer prior to enlisting in the AIF as a private with No 5152 on 21 September 1914, he embarked for overseas service as a driver with the 3rd Light Horse Brigade Train from Melbourne aboard HMAT Chilka (A51) on 2 February 1915. While in Egypt, he was promoted to corporal on 3 January 1916 and then later transferred to the 46th Battalion, promoted to sergeant and appointed acting quarter master sergeant on 28 May. He proceeded to France with the 46th Battalion in June 1916 and was wounded in action on 11 August. After four days, he returned to his battalion and was later Mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch (MID) for distinguished and gallant services. After being detached to No 1 Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Officers Cadet Battalion in England on 14 November 1916, he was discharged from the AIF on 16 March 1917 when he was commissioned in the RFC. While serving with the RFC he was promoted through the ranks to captain and was awarded a Military Cross (MC).