MERRIFIELD, John William
| Service Number: | 4443 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 21 January 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Able Seaman |
| Last Unit: | Royal Australian Navy |
| Born: | Sydney, New South Wales, 11 February 1899 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Melbourne Grammar School |
| Occupation: | Naval Seaman |
| Died: | 17 January 1921, aged 21 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Melbourne Grammar School WW1 Fallen Honour Roll |
Biography contributed by Daryl Jones
JOHN WILLIAM MERRIFIELD
Who died of illness on 17th January 1921 was the son of the late Mr. E. G. Merrifield. He was born in 1899 and entered the Melbourne Grammar School Prep. in 1910. After leaving there in 1910 he was for two years at Xavier College and then received private tuition. He enlisted in the R.A.N. on 21st January 1915 and after training on H.M.A.S. " Tingira " was transferred as A.B. to H.M.A.S. " Australia," on which he served in the North Sea from 12th January 1916 until after the cessation of hostilities, and was present at the surrender of the German Fleet. During that service he received during coaling operations a severe blow on the back, which subsequently set up cancer. He returned to Australia on 10th June 1919 and was transferred as watchman to the " Cerberus " at Williamstown ; he there sustained an accident in consequence of which he was admitted to hospital and operated upon, when, unknown to him, the cancer was discovered. Subsequently he decided to enter the Mercantile Marine, and having been discharged from R.A.N. on 19th February 1920 studied for the Nautical examinations. His health, however, gradually failed and he died on 17th January 1921 as a result of the injuries sustained at the war. The record of his character and ability while in the R.A.N. was very good and satisfactory.
Source : War Services Old Melburnians 1914 – 1918
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