The AIF Project

Ernest FRY

Regimental number11835
Place of birthMoe Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressMoe, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, R Fry, Moe, Victoria
Enlistment date2 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 4, Reinforcement 3
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/32/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work near Villers Bretonneux on 7-8 August 1918.
Recommendation date: "Unspecified"

FateReturned to Australia 29 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night 7th/8th August 1918 these two drivers [Fry and 1302 J Watson] were carting ammunition to a forward battery position East of VILLERS BRETONNEUX near AMIENS, when a heavy hostile battery opened fire on the road. One shell killed all the horses in the team, also breaking the pole of the wagon, thereby causing a block in the traffic in rear. These drivers under heavy shelling at once pulled the dead horses clear, placed the spare pole in the wagon, and making up a spare team from the other vehicles, hooked it in and delivered the ammunition to the gun position. By their prompt and courageous action, the congestion on the road was relieved and numerous casualties to personnel and horses avoided, as it was not possible for vehicles to turn on the narrow congested road.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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