The AIF Project

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations of the 26th/27th August which resulted in the capture of FOUCAUCOURT. This man was a member of the ration party who were carrying hot food and rations to the forward Coys. At the time the enemy was heavily shelling the area, and the Sergeant in charge of the party, who was the only N.C.O. present (owing to the shortage of N.C.Os. with the Coy.) was wounded. Private HESLEWOOD took charge of the party, organised them, and sent them forward with hot food and rations, when another N.C.O. arrived,and moved forward with the party, Private HESLEWOOD then attended to the Sergeant, who was severely wounded, and proceeded to obtain assistance to carry the wounded N.C.O. out. He passed through a heavy area shoot in the valley, and also returned through it with a stretcher and another bearer. He then carried the N.C.O. to the Dressing Station through another heavy barrage. The initiative displayed by this man in assuming command of the party under heavy shell fire, and later on his gallantry and determination, in getting his wounded comrade to a Dressing Station was a source of inspiration to his comrades in the first place, and will probably mean the saving of the N.C.O's life in the latter instance.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919