The AIF Project

Hugh Robert Nelson FORCUS

Regimental number485
Place of birthMelbourne Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationHorse shipper
Address431 Newcastle Street, Perth, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinFather, Robert Forcus, 431 Newcastle Street, Perth, Western Australia
Enlistment date24 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll8 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name44th Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/61/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll44th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 29 May 1918

FateReturned to Australia 22 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. At VILLERS BRETONNEUX, on the night 25th/26th May, 1918, the above man was a Driver in charge of a limber loaded with barbed wire and pickets, and as our line had been pushed forward on the previous night it was absolutely necessary that this material should reach the new objective, so as to enable same to be protected from hostile attacks. When this driver reached a spot about a mile from VILLERS BRETONNEUX, the enemy put down an intense gas bombardment of shells of all calibre. Although transport was put out of action all around him, this man persevered and pushed right through the barrage with his team. He set a splendid example to the remainder of the transport personnel and succeeded in getting right through with his load and repassed through the barrage again on his return journey, wearing a gas mask the whole time. This man has on all occasions set a splendid example of devotion to duty to all his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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