Sidney BENNETT

Sidney BENNETT

Sidney Bennett (Photograph courtesy of his of his grand-daughters D. Ayers and J. Pemberton)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4732), Sidney Bennett was born at Paddington, Sydney. He gave his age as 24 years and 10 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer.  His description on his medical was height 5 feet 9 ½ inches tall, weight 11 stone 5 lbs., with a dark complexion, blue eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He completed his medical on the 8^th October 1915 at Gilgandra and was attested by Captain Nicholas on the 9^th October 1915 at Gilgandra. He claimed to have had no previous military service.

On his embarkation roll his address as time of enrolment was Hornsey, David Street, North Sydney, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as father, Mr H. Bennett, Hornsey, David Street, North Sydney, N.S.W.

After completing the march he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

Private Bennett departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England on the 8^th March 1916. On the 19^th of April 1916 he transferred to the 45^th Battalion in Egypt.

On the 2^nd June 1916 Private Bennett left Alexandria aboard the Kinfauns Castle bound for France, arriving at Marseilles on the 8^th June 1916.

On the 22^nd September 1916 he received a gunshot wound to his left forearm whilst conducting a working party near Vierstraat, Belgium. He was hospitalised and evacuated to England.

On the 13^th September 1918 he was transferred to the 54^th Battalion, and on the 11^th October 1918 to the 56^th Battalion.

Private Bennett commenced his return to Australia on the HT Devanha on 8^th May 1919, arriving in Australia on the 19^th June 1919. He was discharged on the 10^th August 1919.