Samuel James Ainsworth was born in Ballarat East, amd a School Teacher by trade, enlisted as a 21 year old on July 23rd 1915. He sailed from Australia on April 1st 1916 on the Suffolk to serve in France with the 7th Battalion. In 1917 his gallantry earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal. æDuring operations near Zonnebeke, east of Ypres, on 4th – 8th October 1917, this man carried out the duties of a runner. His work was carried out under very trying circumstances, often under very heavy artillery fire. He continuously volunteered for the most dangerous work and was most valuable to his section officer. On the first day of operations he, with the assistance of Pte. J. J. Doherty, captured an enemy machine gun and seven prisoners.' After the war he returned to Australia on the Anchises, reaching Melbourne in October 1919. He served again during WW2, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the 101st Motor Regiment. He died on August 15th 1950, aged 56.
Tree No. 1769