The AIF Project

Albert David LOWERSON

Regimental number2358
Date of birth2 August 1896
Place of birthMyrtleford, Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, Harry Lowerson, Myrtleford, Victoria
Enlistment date16 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll12 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name21st Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/38/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Osterley on 29 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll21st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Gallant and skilful work on patrol throughout the operations of the Brigade at Armentieres and Pozieres.'
Recommendation date: 15 September 1916

Victoria Cross


'Work at Mont St. Quentin on 1 September 1918.'
Recommendation date: 13 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 1 April 1919
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery and tactical skill on the 1st September, 1918, during the attack on Mt. St. Quentin, north of Peronne, when very strong opposition was met with early in the attack, and every foot of ground was stubbornly contested by the enemy. Regardless of heavy enemy machine gun fire, Sergeant Lowerson moved about fearlessly directing his men, encouraging them to still greater effort, and finally led them on to the objective. On reaching the objective he saw that the left attacking party was held up by an enemy strong post heavily manned with twelve machine guns. Under the heaviest sniping and machine gun fire, Sergeant Lowerson rallied seven men as a storming party, and directing them to attack the flanks of the post, rushed the strong point, and, by effective bombing, captured it, together with twelve machine guns and thirty prisoners. Though severely wounded in the right thigh, he refused to leave the front line until the prisoners had been disposed of, and the organization and consolidation of the post had been thoroughly completed. Throughout a week of operations, his leadership and example had a continual influence on the men serving under him, whilst his prompt and effective action at a critical juncture allowed the forward movement to be carried on without delay, thus ensuring the success of the attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

Medals: Victoria Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II. Enlisted Melbourne, 5 July 1940, as V8081; discharged, 10 August 1944, as Sergeant, 2/8 Training Bn.
Date of death15 December 1945
Place of burialMyrtleford Cemetery


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.