Private Joe Hunt 6989

Soldier Factfile

Name:  Private Joe Hunt 6989

Date of Birth:   1892

Address:   Groby Lane, Anstey

Parents Names: 

Ebenezer Whitworth Hunt (Clock & watch repairer)

Mother: Phebe Rebecca d.1895

Step Mother: Mary Ann Hunt (nee Gregory) m.1896

Occupation before the war:  Boot and shoe trade finisher

Siblings Names:

Full Blood                                

Sarah Ann b 1883  |  Florence Harriet b1886  |  Thomas Henry b1889  |  Charles Edward b1895

Half Blood      

Hilda May b 1900  |  Ebenezer Whitworth  |  Ernest Alsopp b1905  |

Elizabeth Whitworth  |  Frances Rebecca b1910

Date Died:   21.9.1917

Age:   24

Place of Death:   Belgium

Place of Burial/Memorial:  Xliii A 3, Tyne Cot Cemetery

Cause of death:   Killed in action

Regiment:

1st Battalion

Australian Infantry

Medals:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Any other information (e.g. Service Record/ appearance etc)

  • Joseph attested into the Australian Imperial Force on the 20th October 1916 in Cootamundra, New South Wales.
  • He gave his his age as 23 years and 11 months and his trade or calling as labourer.
  • He confirmed that he was unmarried.
  • He gave his father Ebenezer Hunt, of Groby Road, Anstey, Leicestershire, England as his next of kin.
  • He stated that he had served with the Leicestershire Regiment (Territorial’s).
  • His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 8 inches in height, weighed 140 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 35½ inches.
  • His complexion was described as fair, his hair colour was brown and he had brown eyes. His physical development was described as good.
  • It was noted that he had injury scars to the anterior surface of his right leg and right forearm, a mole on his left shoulder and right hip, and vaccination marks on his left arm, 4 spots
  • . He gave his religion as Methodist.
  • He was pronounced fit for active service on the 14th October 1916 in Coolomon, New South Wales.
  • His record of service began when he joined “C” Company, 2nd Depot Battalion as a Private, service number 6989 on the 20/10/16.
  • Transferred to “B” Company, 23rd Reinforcements, 1st Battalion Australian Infantry, at Liverpool on the 20/10/16 – 1/11/16.
  • Embarked from Sydney aboard H.M.A.T. A24 Behalla on the 9/11/16. Disembarked at Devonport on the 9/1/17. Committed the offence of being. Absent without leave from Larkhill from 22.00 on the 13/3/17 till reporting at 22.00 on the 28/3/17. Awarded 16 days detention and 32 days forfeiture of pay (£8) on the 29/3/17 by Major J. K. G. Magee.
  • Proceeded from Folkestone overseas to join the 1st Training Battalion in France on the 14/5/17. Transferred to the A. D. B. D. at Etaples on the 15/5/17.
  • Proceeded to join unit on the 28/5/17. Taken on the strength of the 1st Battalion Australian Infantry, in the field on the 28/5/17.
  • Killed in action, Belgium on the 21/9/17.
  • His father, Ebenezer Whitworth Hunt, of Groby Road, Anstey, Leicester was awarded a fortnightly pension of ten shillings to commence on the 14th December 17.
  • Joe made and signed a Last Will and Testament on the 18th July 1917, and bequeathed his personal estate to his sister, Mrs. Thomas Marlow, of Cropstone Road, Anstey, Leicestershire, England.
  • Reburied at Tyne Cot Cemetry after being identified by his clothing