Historical information

John (Jack) Dudley Cullen was the first person from St Kilda to enlist in World War I. He lived at 23 Argyle Street (now Waterloo Crescent), St Kilda. An electrician with three years service with the militia behind him, Jack enlisted on 18 August 1914 at the age of 21. By 20 October that year he was sailing to Egypt on the HMAT Shropshire as a member of the 5th Battery, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. He served in the Middle East for a short time before being hospitalised with enteric fever and returning home to Australia.

Physical description

White (discoloured with age) Certificate of Discharge form, printed in black and handwritten in black ink on both sides.

Inscriptions & markings

Front
Handwritten notations that Gunner Jack Cullen (service number 1026) of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade was born at Brighton, Victoria and enlisted in the AIF on 18 August 1914 at the age of 21 years. He was discharged in consequence of "being medically unfit, not due to misconduct." It is recorded that he served 1397 days, 1298 days of which were served overseas. The certificate was signed in Melbourne, Victoria by Captain JM Matthew on 14 June 1918.

Back
Sections about conduct and character have not been completed and are overstamped in red: "The practice of including a statement of character or special qualifications on the Discharge Certificate has been discontinued from 1st December. 1917."
Handwritten notations that, upon discharge, Cullen was 24 years and 10 months old. His complexion was sallow and his hair light brown. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall and had grey eyes. His trade is recorded as 'Electrician (Improver)'. He had a vaccination scar on his left arm and a tattoo on his right. His intended place of residence was 23 Argyle Street St Kilda. The certificate is signed by J.D. Cullen.