Anderson, John Shaw
No.1504 L/Cpl John Shaw Anderson – 11th Battalion AIF
John Shaw Anderson was born in Fremantle in 1896 to James and Jessie Anderson. The family lived in John Street Fremantle, and John attended a local primary school but after showing an aptitude for study; went on to attend Perth Modern School. While at school John had become a member of the 11th Australian Garrison Artillery which was based in Fremantle.
John had finished school in 1914 but was studying to be an accountant when he made the decision to enlist into the AIF. Being only 18 he needed the permission of his parents to enlist, and despite any misgivings they may have had, gave their consent for their son to join up.
With their permission in hand, John successfully enlisted into the AIF on the 12th of January 1915. He had his medical examination at Blackboy Hill Camp a few weeks later and was found to be fit. The medical officer found John to be 6 feet 1 inches in height; weighed 154 lbs; chest measurement of 34-36 inches; fair complexion; grey eyes & brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of Christ.
John was attached to the 3rd Reinforcements for the 11th Battalion and embarked with this group from Fremantle on the 22nd February 1915 aboard the H.M.A.T. A50 Itonus. After arriving in Egypt John was appointed Lance Corporal and he continued to train with his reinforcement group there until early April 1915. The 11th Battalion landed on Gallipoli on April 25th 1915 and was hit with heavy casualties. John was one of the reinforcements to fill the gaps in the ranks; and he joined B Company of the 11th Battalion on the 7th May 1915.
He stayed with the 11th through the next few months. During the 11th’s attack at Tasmania Post on the 1st August 1915, John was killed in action alongside his old Perth Modern school mate, No.1462 Pte Marshall Fox. The Perth Modern School’s newspaper reported that “it was later still that we heard that the two friends had died together, the one succouring the other as he fell”.
(In picture Marshall Fox is standing and John Anderson is sitting)
John Anderson was buried in Shell Green Cemetery alongside many other members of the 11th Battalion AIF killed in the Gallipoli Campaign. His father received his personal effects and medals.