George James Cole
Rank: Private
Service Number: 3031
Unit Served: 43rd Battalion.
Personal Details: George was born in Delamere, South Australia on the 28th December 1886 to parents Richard and Ellen Cole. He had 4 sisters and 3 brothers as well as 3 step-brothers and 1 step-sister. He worked as a farmer in the Second Valley area but spent the last 6 years of his life before joining the army as a farmer at Struan in the Naracoorte area, working with his step brother. He enjoyed playing cricket and was a member of the Naracoorte Cricket Club. He was also a member of the Anglican Church.
He was 5 foot 9 and a half inches tall and weighed 149 pounds. He had dark blue eyes and black hair.
Enlistment Details: George enlisted on the 13th of October 1916 from Naracoorte. He was 30 years and 9 months old when he enlisted.
Details about his role in War: On the 23rd of June, 1917 George embarked from Adelaide aboard the H.M.A.T A.30 Borda. He disembarked at Plymouth on the 25th of August. Whilst aboard the ship he was placed in the ship’s hospital in isolation with a venereal disease. He spent a total of 30 days isolated. He proceeded overseas to France on the 8th of January 1918 and was taken on strength by the 43rd Battalion on the 13th. On the 26th of May 1918 George was gassed during action and was admitted to hospital. On the 22nd of June he rejoined the 43rd battalion. On the 4th of July 1918 George was killed in action during the Battle of Hamel.
Age at Death: 32
Memorial Details: FRANCE 1170 Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery Fouilloy
Image from the "Chronicle" 31st August 1918 sourced through Trove
