Joe Scales
Australian rules footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joseph Lindley Scales, DSO, MM (25 July 1895 – 29 July 1967) was an Australian soldier and Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy[1] and St Kilda in the Victorian Football League (VFL).[2]
Mitta Mitta, Victoria
Macleod, Victoria
| Joe Scales | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Joseph Lindley Scales | ||
| Born |
25 July 1895 Mitta Mitta, Victoria | ||
| Died |
29 July 1967 (aged 72) Macleod, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Mitta Mitta FC | ||
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Weight | 81 kg (179 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1921–23 | Fitzroy | 25 (0) | |
| 1924 | St Kilda | 15 (5) | |
| Total | 40 (5) | ||
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1924. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Scales was appointed as Prahan's captain-coach in the VFA in 1925, when Howell's engagement was terminated.[3]
Born in Mitta Mitta, Victoria, Scales joined the Australian Imperial Force on 1 February 1915 for service in the First World War.[4] He was awarded the Military Medal for leading a daylight patrol and gathering valuable intelligence at Bapaume in March 1917 and was commissioned a second lieutenant the following month.[4][5] At Poelcappelle in October, he led a platoon with "conspicuous gallantry" and singlehandedly cleared a German machine-gun post, for which he was recommended for the Victoria Cross. He was instead awarded the Distinguished Service Order.[4][6]
Scales was subsequently Mentioned in Despatches and, with the war over, returned to Australia in July 1919 and soon after relinquished his commission.[4] He returned to service in the Second World War, rising to the rank of captain while posted to Headquarters, Australian Military Forces.[7]
Older brother of Jack Scales.
