Regimental number | 27898 |
Place of birth | Melbourne, Victoria |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Hotelkeeper |
Address | St Arnaud, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Next of kin | Sister, Miss M Baldwin, St Arnaud, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Gunner |
Unit name | Howitzer Brigade 25, Reinforcement 6 |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 13/135/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A30 Borda on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Gunner |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Field Artillery Brigade |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Work near Zonnebeke on 12 October 1917. Recommendation date: Military Medal Work at Villers-Bretonneux on 7-8 August 1918. |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Photo: Peter Dennis |
Medals |
Military Medal 'On 12th October, 1917, near ZONNEBEKE, north east of YPRES, this man in company with Gunner McKENZIE, was acting as linesman to an F.O.O. party, when their officer was severely wounded and, although themselves suffering from concussion, under heavy shell fire they carried him to a sheltered position. After obtaining the assistance of a stretcher and two bearers, they continued their journey to an aid post, when a shell burst, killing the two bearers and again wounding their officer. The immediately obtained another stretcher and four German prisoners and completed their journey to the aid post. Their persistent efforts under a heavy barrage and such trying conditions displayed a devotion to duty and a high example of personal courage.Second entry reads: 'These gunners, acting as telephonists, formed part of an Observation Post party who were manning a post on the night 7th/8th August 1918 at VILLERS BRETONNEUX near AMIENS. Heavy area shoots were placed by the enemy on our forward areas cutting the telephone lines repeatedly. These men remained on the lines throughout the night showing utter disregard for personal safety, enabling the Observation Officer to pass useful information to our Counter Batteries, thereby assisting the Infantry during their forming up for attack. They showed great courage and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 60 |
Place of burial | St Arnaud Cemetery, Victoria |