John Trenwith Symonds
Rank:
Stoker
Serial No:
Serial No. 5919
Regiment:
HMAS Penguin, HMAS Cerberus & HMAS Yarra
Suburb:
Ingleburn
John Trenwith Symonds - Information
John was born in Surrey Hills on the 10th of January 1888. When he turned 18, he joined the Royal Australian Navy on the 2nd of May 1907. He signed up for a five hitch, embarking on the HMAS Challenger as a Stoker 2nd Class No. 880. In 1912, John's tour of duty was finished. He then resided in Ingleburn with his mother, Margaret Douglas Boalwood. After the war started, John set about re-enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy. He signed up on the 14th of December 1916 for the duration of the war plus 6 months. On that day, he departed for duty upon the Penguin as a Stoker. Three days later, he was transferred to the Cerberus. He then joined crew of the Yarra from the 14th of April 1917. He participated in patrols, convoy protection, and troop/armament transportation. John was demobilised on the 17th of June 1919 and returned home.