James SIMPSON

James SIMPSON

Private James Simpson, seated in centre (Photograph courtesy of his grandson K. Flook)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4928), James Simpson was born at Hollytown, Scotland.[1] He gave his age as 30 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as iron and steel smelting. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 6 ¾ inches tall, with a dark complexion, hazel eyes, and black hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He completed his medical examination, and was attested by Lieutenant F. Middenway, at Springwood on 8^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees arrived at Springwood).

After the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On 4^th February 1916 Private Simpson was charged with being absent without leave for 1 day from the Liverpool Camp. He was fined 5 shillings.

On 22^nd February 1916 he was charged with being absent without leave for 4 days. He was fined 2 pounds.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was not listed. His next of kin is listed as his sister, Miss L. Simpson, Midcot, Mossend, Lanarkshire, Scotland.[2]

On 8^th March 1916 Private Simpson, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion, and arrived in Egypt on the 11^th April 1916.

Troopship HMAT A15 Star of England. Australian War Memorial Collection AWM H17014.

On 16^th April 1916 Private Simpson was transferred to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 15^th May 1916 Private Simpson was sent to the 12^th Australian Field Ambulance sick. He was discharged on 19^th May 1916.

On 4^th June 1916 Private Simpson left Alexandria aboard the Transport Scotian bound for France.  He arrived at Marseilles on 11^th June 1916.

After serving with the 4^th Pioneer Battalion in France for 6 months, on 14^th December 1916 Private Simpson was sent to the 13^th Australian Field Ambulance sick with Diarrhoea. He was sent to the ANZAC Rest Station later that day. He was discharged and rejoined his unit on 31^st December 1916.

On 21^st July 1917 Private Simpson was sent to the 13^th Australian Field Ambulance sick. He was moved back to the 2^nd Casualty Clearing Station. On 23^rd July 1917 he was placed aboard the 12^th Ambulance Train and on 26^th July 1917 he was admitted to the 39^th General Hospital at Le Harve, France.

He was discharged from hospital and marched into the 4^th Australian Base Depot at Le Harve on 6^th September 1917.

On 10^th September 1917 Private Simpson was readmitted sick to the 39^th General Hospital. He was discharged to the 1^st Australian Clearning Station on 26^th September 1917.

He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 17^th January 1918.

On 5^th March 1918 Private Simpson was charged with being absent without leave from 0900 on 26^th February 1918 till 1530 on 5^th March 1918. He was fined 18 days pay.

On 14^th October 1918 Private Simpson was granted leave to England. He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 30^th October 1918.

On 27^th January 1919 Private Simpson marched into the Australian Base Depot at Le Harve to commence his return to England.

On 10^th February 1919 Private Simpson departed the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve for England. He arrived at Weymouth, England, on 11^th February 1919.

On 1^st July 1919 Private Simpson left England on the H.T. Frankfurt bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia on 21^st August 1919.

He was discharged termination of period of enlistment on 13^th October 1919.

[1] NAA B2455, SIMPSON JAMES

[2] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Rolls, James Simpson,  4928.