The AIF Project

John McFarlane HARVEY

Regimental number175
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationCommercial traveller
AddressGoodwood Road, King's Road, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs Elizabeth Harvey, Goodwood Road, King's Road, South Australia
Enlistment date27 March 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll14 May 1915
Rank on enlistmentLeading Seaman
Unit name1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train
AWM Embarkation Roll numberMIS34.12.1.RANBT1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board A39 Port Macquarie on 4 June 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Lieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll56th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Supplement, No. 29455 (28 January 1916); 'Commonwealth Gazette', No. 44 (6 April 1916).

FateReturned to Australia 18 December 1918
Medals

Military Cross

'He was acting as intelligence officer during the attack on Peronne, on 1st and 2nd September 1918. He was indefatigable in his efforts to obtain information, and on one occasion went forward with one 'runner'. The enemy shelling became so severe that he ordered his 'runner' to take coger, and he went forward alone. He returned with most valuable information, but in a great state of exhaustion, and suffering severely from gas poisoning. Subsequently he went out and directed stretcher-bearers to where he had seen, during his reconnaissance, men lying wounded. His gallantry and devotion to duty were a splendid example to all ranks.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

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

Print format    


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