Historical information

Before James Shell was enlisted he was a horse driver living in Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale. He enlisted on October 9, 1915 at the age of 18, to the 21st Battalion. He embarked with with the10th Reinforcements from Melbourne on March 7,1916 on HMAT Wiltshire (A18) to Serapeum, Egypt. On September 16, 1916 he was transferred to Etaples, France with the 24th Battalion, where he suffered from trench feet. He was sent to the Royal Hospital in Netley to recover.
After further training in England, he re-joined his unit. He suffered an abscess and was sent to Cheltenham Hospital in England. He again re-joined his unit. He was awarded three blue stripes as he had been mentioned in dispatches. He returned to Australia o 29th. May 1919 on HT Rio Negro.
He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Physical description

Framed photocopy of photograph and precis of service history of Robert James Shell.

Inscriptions & markings

(see context)