Francis Ormond Nielsen (1891 - 1970)

Born 1 Mar 1891 in Preston, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Died 3 Dec 1970 at age 79 in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

Biography

Francis Nielsen is an Anzac who served in World War One.

Francis Nielsen is an Anzac who served in World War Two.

Francis Nielsen was born in the Colony of Victoria (1851-1900)

Francis Ormond Nielsen was born in 1891 in Preston, Victoria, Australia, son of Harriett Ann (Brown) Nielsen and Rasmus Nielsen.^[1]

On 15 July 1915 Francis, unmarried Salesman aged 24, enlisted as a Private with the Australian Army, 14th Battalion, 10th Reinforcements, Regimental Number 3098. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 16 October 1915. He was transferred to the 46th Battalion in March 1916. He was promoted in the field to Sergeant in August 1916. He was wounded in action in France in April 1918. ^[2]

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. ^[3]

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a platoon during an enemy attack. Throughout the preliminary barrage he went about encouraging his men over 100 yards front. He met the attack by leading the platoon forward and drove it back, then, seeing one of the enemy hiding behind a hedge, this N.C.O. under heavy fire, rushed forward and captured him.

On 1 July 1940 Francis enlisted Australian Army, Service Number V4130. He served as a Warrant Officer Class 2 with the 8th Australian Ordnance Stores Company and was discharged on 13 November 1944. ^[4]

Francis died in 1970. aged 78 in Heidelberg, Victoria ^[5] and was interred at the Footscray General Cemetery. Church of England E, Grave 322. ^{[6] [7]}

Sources

1. ↑ Birth record: 16261 / 1891. BDM Victoria. https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/research-and-family-history/search-your-family-history.
   (Name: Francis Ormond NIELSON); (Place: PRESTON); (Mother: Hart BROWN); (Father: Rasmus)
2. ↑ Australia, World War I Service Records, 1914-1920; Date of birth: 1 March 1891; Date of death: 3 December 1970; Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
3. ↑ Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15, 4 February 1919
4. ↑ Australia, World War II Military Service Records, 1939-1945
5. ↑ Victoria Death Registration Number 28761/1970
6. ↑ Find A Grave
7. ↑ Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997