LOTT, John Charles
| Service Number: | 2226 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 March 1916, Melbourne, Vic. |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 57th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Geelong, Vic., 1890 |
| Home Town: | Footscray, Maribyrnong, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Bolinda State School |
| Occupation: | Skilled Worker |
| Died: | 1973, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Bolinda State School Honour Roll, Woodend War Memorial Clock Tower |
Biography contributed by Peter Sneddon
Military Medal
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918
Jack Lott was likely Johnathan Charles Lott, Jack being a common diminutive for Johnathan. James Lott was likely his brother, Alfred James Lott. Jack was the older brother, born in 1890 in Grant, Victoria to Johnathan Charles Lott and Annie nee Carton (married 1888). James was born a year later, in 1891 in Williamstown. Johnathan and Annie also had Annie Oliver (b. 1889), Laura Amelia (b. 1896), and Thomas William (b. 1902).
Jack and James attended Bolinda School sometime between 1895 and 1913 along with their siblings Annie, Laura and Thomas.
Prior to enlisting in the armed forces, Jack and James were living together in Footscray, James working as a quarryman and later railway fettler, and Jack as a skilled labourer.
In August 1916, Jack embarked aboard the “Princess Victoria” bound for Europe, fighting in France. While serving in the 57th Battalion in May 1918, Jack was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of his bravery. H. E. Elliott, Brigadier General commanding the 5th Australian Infantry Brigade, recommended Jack and two other privates for the following:
“West of HAMEL on the morning 5th April 1918, during an intense enemy bombardment, these men showed great bravery and devotion to duty when acting as stretcher bearers. They assisted in dressing and carrying about 20 stretcher cases to the R.A.P. The whole area in which they worked was in the open and swept by very heavy shell fire. Their bravery and gallant conduct undoubtedly saved many lives. The excellent work done by these men was of the highest order and is deserving of recognition.”
Jack returned to Australia aboard the “Port Lyttleton” in June 1919 and was discharged from the armed forces three months later.
Jack died in 1973. James and Laura continued to reside at their High Street home at least into the 1980s.