The AIF Project

Edward HAYCRAFT

Regimental number2429
Place of birthSomerset England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationButcher
AddressDandenong, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, Henry Haycraft, Wyates Farm, Stewley, Ashill, Ilminster, Somerset, England
Enlistment date11 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name46th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/63/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney on 7 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll46th Battalion
FateDied of wounds 11 July 1918
Place of burialCrouy British Cemetery (Plot III, Row E, Grave No. 24), Crouy-Sur-Somme, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
141
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallant work in the field near ALBERT on the night of 5th/6th April. About 3 a.m. on 6th an officer lay severely wounded in "No Man's Land", covered by frequent bursts of a machine gun to prevent his rescue. An officer had gone out to his rescue and succeeded in bringing him in 50 yards. Private Haycraft, well aware of the danger, and of the fact that 4 others had been wounded in the attempt, went forward and rendered great assistance in effecting the rescue. Each time a movement was made, machine gun fire was opened on them. He then volunteered and assisted to carry the wounded officer to the R.A.P., 1200 yards distant being under machine gun fire the whole way. His coolness and willingness were exemplary.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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