People Australia

Paul Jerome Timmins, c. 1915 photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

PAUL JEROME TIMMINS was born on 5th January, 1895, at Bathurst, New South Wales, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Timmins. He was educated at the Sydney High School, and entered the Bank’s service at Armidale, in March, 1912, being transferred to Tamworth in October, 1914.

Paul Timmins enlisted in the A.I.F. on 19th August, 1915, and became a member of the 20th Battalion. He was promoted to second-lieutenant on 28th November, 1916, and to lieutenant on 6th April, 1917.

On 3rd May, 1917, Paul Jerome Timmins was in action near Riencourt when his bravery attracted attention and he was recommended for the Military Cross. The official recommendation is as follows:

“On 3rd May, 1917, near Riencourt, this officer, without care for self, re-organized his battalion under extremely heavy fire and, though wounded, led the battalion forward for a considerable distance beyond the enemy wire. He continued his duties for a considerable period and set a fine example to his men by his high soldierly qualities.”

Subsequently, he was mentioned in despatches after the proclamation of Peace.