BROUGHTON, John Moffatt (1893-1970)
John Moffat Broughton was born at Casterton on 1 July 1893, the son of William Edmund Broughton and Lily Orr nee McKellar.
He was enrolled at Geelong College by his mother in 1908 remaining at the School as a boarder to 1910. At the time his address was listed as Thompson St, Hamilton. He spent 3 years in the Cadets while at Geelong College. In 1909 and 1910 he coxed the Geelong College 1st Rowing VIII at the Head of the River competition.
At Geelong College, he was awarded the following academic prizes:
1908, Dux of Middle 4th Form.
1908, 1st, English, Middle 4th Form.
1908, 1st, History, Middle 4th Form.
1908, 1st Geography, Middle 4th Form.
1908, 2nd, Geometry, Lower 4th Form.
1908, 1st, Gymnastics, 1st Class.
He was working as a station overseer when he enlisted (No 558) as a Private in the 8th Australian Light Horse on 3 February 1915. He embarked for Egypt on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on 25 February, 1915, and ultimately Gallipoli. He was at the graveside when fellow Collegian, Major E A E Gregory was buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery, Anzac, 27 June 1915. He was temporarily promoted from Private to Corporal in 1916. He served through the Palestine campaign with B Squadron, but suffered a serious chest and leg wound in a bombing attack in the Jordan Valley, being admitted, dangerously ill, to 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance on 2 June, 1918. He returned to Australia, embarking 3 August 1918 on HT Karoola. His service record reported in 1917 that he had suffered from otitis since childhood in both ears and had only 75% of his hearing. Hearing loss affected him throughout the war.
He died on 13 June 1970.
Sources: Based on an edited extract from Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p143 (citing Pegasus; National Archives). NAA B2455 Broughton J M.