| Regimental number | 1132 |
| Place of birth | Redfern New South Wales |
| School | Convent School, Manly, New South Wales |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Occupation | Fitter |
| Address | 129 Bedford Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 22 |
| Next of kin | Father, W H Gocher, 129 Bedford Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 13th Battalion, G Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/30/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board TRANSPORT A38 Ulysses on |
| Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 45th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Bar to Military Medal Killed in Action 7 June 1917. Recommendation date: |
| Other details from Roll of Honour Circular | Military Medal and bar. |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Place of death or wounding | Messines, Belgium |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 25 |
| Place of burial | Messines Ridge British Cemetery (Plot I, Row B, Grave No. 29), Belgium |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 139 |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: William and Elizabeth GOCHER, 27 Albert Street, Newtown, New South Wales. native of Sydney |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'On the night of 15th/16th October, 1916, during a raid on the German trenches near DIEPENDAAL. He was in charge of the bombers and displayed great coolness and aggressiveness in handling his party. Also when returning although wounded himself, was of great assistance in bringing in one of our men who had been badly wounded.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103 Date: Bar to Military Medal 'For exceptional gallantry and leadership on the morning of the 21st February, 1917 at GUEUDECOURT during an attack on an enemy's strong point and trenches. Sergeant Gocher led his team of bombers over enemy's wire against a strong point and after same was bombed and captured, he continued the attack up the enemy's trenches. As the trench was practically impassable, owing to the mud, he led his men along the parapet regardless of heavy Machine Gun fire. On reaching the objective he immediately organised a team of rifle grenadiers and kept the Germans back until the block was put in. He remained in charge of his bombing team at the block until the night of the 22nd/23rd February,1917 and then took an active part in capturing another 120 yards of trench. The dash, determination and coolness, under fire, shown by this Non Commissioned Officer was very marked and the example he set to his men was splendid.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Military Medal & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
