John Freeman was born in Ballarat and was a Miner by trade when he enlisted in the 29th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement on 9 December 1915 at the age of 39. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 4 April 1916. On October 1st he joined the 29th Battalion in France. In December of 1916 he was transferred to hospital in England suffering from severe asthma and bronchitis. In April 1917 he faced the unusual charge of æneglect of duty when in charge of an accused soldier allowing him to escape' for which he was awarded 10 days Field Punishment No.2. Soon after this he transferred to the 67th Battalion. On October 7th 1917 he married Mary Rice in Dorset and for much of 1918 was granted extended leave for family reasons. In July 1919 he sailed from England on the Indarra and disembarked at Melbourne in September.
Tree No: 1964