David William Carman

War: World War One

Rank: Private

Service Number: 2646

Units Served: 50th Battalion (Infantry)

Personal Details: David was the 3rd son but 4th child born to David and Elizabeth Carman. He was born on the 18/10/1898
at Keilli, a small rural town north west of Port Broughton. After his parents moved to a farm just south of Port Broughton he attended most of his schooling years at Wards Hill. David was 5 feet 9 inches  and weighed 134 pounds. He had a medium complexion with brown eyes and dark hair.

Enlistment Details: David enlisted on the 30/8/1916, he was 18 years at the time.

Details about his role in the war: David embarked Adelaide on board the HMAT “Port Melbourne” on the 23rd of October 1916. Whilst on board he was admitted to the ships hospital on the 17th of December 1916 for three days. On the 13th of August 1917 he proceeded to France via Codford and was taken on strength on the 31st of August 1917. On the 21th of September David was wounded in action from a shell in his right knee. Due to his wounds David was sent back to England on the 20th of September 1917 to recover at the CAM hospital. On the 8th of October 1917 he was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary. On the 12th of October 1917 David was discharged to the Weymouth depot. On the 18th of November 1917 David marched out to Camp No.1 at Sutton Veny.  From the 8th of April 1918 David re-joined his unit in the field at France. Unfortunately on the 25th of April 1918 he was killed in action when his battalion took part in the successful push to take back the town of Villers- Bretonneux.

Age at Death: David was 19 years old when he was killed in action on the 25th April 1918.

Cemetery or Memorial Details: Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension, France

Interesting Material: David received the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.