3414A Private STAUNTON Dennis Joseph

53rd Australian Infantry Battalion 

Born in Young, Dennis, a tinsmith, was the son of Patrick and Margaret Staunton. 

He enlisted at Cootamundra on 29 July 1915 stating his age as 18 years 10 months. His next of kin was his Father Patrick Staunton of Cloete Street, Young. 

Dennis was allotted to 1st Training Battalion and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 2 November 1915. He was taken on strength of 53rd Battalion at Tel-El-Kebir on 16 February 1916. He embarked Alexandria on the Troop Ship SS Royal George on 19 June, arriving in Marseilles 28 June 1916. 

Dennis was posted missing in action on 28 July 1916 in France. A Field Court of Enquiry held by 53rd Battalion on 2 September 1917 confirmed he was killed in action on the battlefield on 19 July 1916. 

Dennis was buried in Ration Farm New Military Cemetery, plot 6, row D, la Chapelle D’ Armentieres, France. Only his identity disc was able to be returned to his Father.