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John Hartnell Downton (1893–1975)

John Hartnell Downton, n.d. photographer unknown

John Hartnell Downton, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

JOHN HARTNELL DOWNTON was born at Eden, N.S.W., on 6th December, 1893, the son of Mr. Carey Downton and Mrs. Jane Ann Downton. He went to school at Eden, and to the State Schools in Canterbury and Williamstown, Victoria.

He joined the Bank’s staff at Eden on 18th July, 1910, and was afterwards at the Crookwell Branch. Thence he was transferred to the Head Office, and served with the Southern and Western Inspectors.

Hartnell Downton enlisted in the A.I.F. on 5th August, 1914, and sailed from Australia in October. He served in Egypt, Gallipoli, Sinai and France, and was wounded during one of the Somme battles in August, 1918. After three months in hospital he returned to Australia in 1919. He was at first a sapper in the First Field Company of Engineers; promoted to lancecorporal in September, 1914; corporal on 5th April, 1915; sergeant on 10th June, 1915; orderly-room sergeant in the following August, and staff-sergeant on 24th November, 1916. Hartnell Downton won his commission in August, 1917, being appointed second-lieutenant in the 1st Infantry Battalion, and he was promoted to lieutenant on 24th February, 1918.

Original Publication

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Downton, John Hartnell (1893–1975)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/downton-john-hartnell-23201/text32410, accessed 11 October 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

John Hartnell Downton, n.d. photographer unknown

John Hartnell Downton, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

Life Summary [details]

Birth

6 December, 1893
Eden, New South Wales, Australia

Death

10 March, 1975 (aged 81)
Concord, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Military Service
Workplaces