Corporal John Hurst 'Jack' Edmondson

Service number NX15705
Birth Date 1914-10-08
Birth Place Australia: New South Wales, Wagga Wagga
Death Date 1941-04-14
Death Place Libya: Tobruk, Tobruk War Cemetery
Final Rank Corporal
Service Australian Army
Units
  • 2/17th Australian Infantry Battalion
  • 2/17th Australian Infantry Battalion
Places
Conflict/Operation Second World War, 1939-1945
Gazettes Biographical information They dared mightily. in 1963
Published in London Gazette in 1941-07-04
Description

Jack Edmondson (1914-1941) was born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, later moving to Liverpool where he worked on his parents' farm. After service in the militia, he enlisted in the AIF and was promoted to corporal soon afterwards. He embarked for the Middle East with 2/17th battalion in October 1940 and trained in Palestine.

In April 1941 German infantry breached the defences at Tobruk, establishing machine-guns, mortars, and field-guns. A seven-man section, including Edmondson, charged the position. Although wounded in the neck and stomach, Edmondson continued to advance under heavy fire, killing one German with his bayonet. He later killed another two Germans, saving the life of his platoon commander, but he succumbed to his wounds soon after the German attack was defeated. His citation noted that Edmondson's actions during the operation "were outstanding for resolution, leadership and conspicuous bravery".

Rolls

Timeline

Date of birth 08 October 1914
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs) 20 May 1940
Date of embarkation 19 October 1940 Embarked for the Middle East.
Date of honour or award 13 April 1941 Awarded Victoria Cross for action at Tobruk, Libya whilst serving with 2/17 Battalion, 20 Brigade, 19 Division as a Corporal.
Date of death 14 April 1941