The AIF Project

Claude Charles CASTLETON

Regimental number1352
Date of birth12 April 1893
Place of birthLowestoft, Suffolk, England
SchoolLowestoft Municipal Secondary School, England
Age on arrival in Australia19
ReligionProtestant
OccupationProspector
AddressPort Moresby, New Guinea
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Height5' 7.5"
Weight160 lbs
Next of kinFather, Thomas Charles Castleton, 18 Wilson's Road, South Lowestoft, Suffolk, England
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date10 March 1915
Place of enlistmentLiverpool, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name18th Battalion, Machine Gun Section
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 25 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Machine Gun Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Victoria Cross


Conspicuous bravery in attack, and gallantry in rescuing wounded under intense fire, during the performance of which he was killed.
Recommendation date: 25 August 1916

FateKilled in Action 29 July 1916
Age at death from cemetery records23
Place of burialPozieres British Cemetery (Plot IV), Row L, Grave No. 43), Ovillers-La-Boisselle, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
177
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Thomas and Edith CASTLETON, 18 Wilson Road, Lowestoft, England
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's trenches the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense machine gun fire opened by the enemy. Many wounded were left in "No Man's Land" lying in shell holes. Sergeant Castleton went out twice in face of this intense fire, and each time brought in a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time, and was bringing in another wounded man, when he himself was hit in the back, and killed instantly. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184
Date: 14 December 1916

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli,16 August 1915. Admitted to HS 'Nevaska', 15 September 1915 (dysentery); transferred to No 1 Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, 19 September 1915; to No 4 Auxiliary Hospital, Abbassia, 27 September 1915; to New Zealand and Australian Convalescent Hospital, Helouan, 22 October 1915. Embarked for Gallipoli from Alexandria, 8 November 1915; reported for duty, 18th Bn, Gallipoli, 8 December 1915. Appointed Corporal, 7 December 1915. Disembarked Alexandria from Mudros, 9 January 1916 (general Gallipoli evacuation).

Admitted to 8th Field Ambulance, Ismailia, 27 January 1916 (malaria); transferred to 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 28 January 1916; to 1st Australian Stationary Hospital, Ismailia, 29 January 1916; discharged to duty, 16 February 1916; rejoined unit, 17 February 1916. Appointed Temporary Sergeant , 20 February 1916. Transferred to 5th Machine Gun Company, 8 March 1916.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 17 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 23 March 1916.

Promoted Sergeant, 16 March 1916.

Killed in action, 29 July 1916.

Posthumously awarded Victoria Cross, 26 September 1916.

Medals: Victoria Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, CASTLETON Claude Charles


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