CROSS, Otley James

Otley was the son of John and Charlotte Cross of ‘Ardersier’ Graman. Otley was a twenty one year old Farmer when he enlisted at Inverell in August 1916.

After becoming a member of the 33rd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement, he left Australia on SS Port Napier in November, arriving in England at the end of January 1917. Further training was undertaken before he was sent to France in April. Four months later he was appointed Lance Corporal and then Corporal.

During July 1918 Otley was wounded in action and invalided back to England for treatment of a gunshot wound to his right arm which was amputated. Otley returned to Australia in 1918 and was medically discharged.

After the War he married and lived in Sydney where he died in 1978.

Corporal Otley Cross has his name recorded on the Graman Honor Roll and on the new Memorial gate at Anzac Park, Delungra.