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John Charles Bradford - Information

The Bradford family moved to Thirlmere from the outer Sydney suburbs. John was born in Hunters Hill, later finding work as a painter and served in the Picton Light Horse. He then decided to do his bit, signing up on the 1st of February 1916 in Sydney. During training, he was allocated to the 2nd Divisional Ammunition Column, and then the 7th Field Artillery Brigade as a Gunner. He was shipped out on the HMAT Argyllshire which departed Sydney on the 11th of May 1916.

John landed in Devonport, England in early July. On the 1st of September, he was appointed Driver, and in late December, was taken to the Western Front. John worked tirelessly supporting operations with artillery bombardments. They endured the terrible conditions at the front. In mid 1917, he started to feel rather ill. The 3rd New Zealand Field Ambulance rushed him to a Casualty Station with gastroenteritis. He was then admitted to the 7th Canadian General Hospital in Etaples. He returned to his unit in late September, only to go back to hospital in October, when he accidentally sprained his ankle. Further illness plagued him the following year. From April until June 1918, he was admitted to hospital. After the war ended, he was transferred to the 8th Field Artillery Brigade in January 1919. In April, he was taken to England for his journey home to Australia.