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George Berry

Private

39th Battalion

Medals Earned

  • British War Medal
  • Victory Medal

Tree Information

  • Species: Populus simonii
  • Planted By: I. Biggs
  • Plaque: 2244

Additional Info

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Biography

George Berry (SN 1211) was an 18 year old labourer from Urquhart Street in Ballarat when he enlisted in March 1916. On May 27th he sailed from Australia on the Ascanius and by early November 1916 was serving in France with the 39th Battalion. On New Year’s Day 1917 he was wounded in action, sustaining a gunshot wound to the right thigh, and was evacuated to hospital in England. Once recovered he returned to France in August 1917, but on October 4th he was again wounded, this time with a severe gunshot wound to his right arm. His wound was so severe that it necessitated the amputation of his arm and his subsequent return to Australia. He returned aboard the Marathon disembarking at Melbourne on June 12th 1918, and was discharged "medically unfit – disability" in September. He died on October 30th 1966 aged 66, suggesting that he was younger than 18 at the time of his enlistment.

His brother Richard also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.

Location in Ballarat Avenue of Honour