The AIF Project

Richard Curnow HOLDEN

Regimental number3970
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
AddressIrishtown, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs J Holden, Irishtown, Tasmania
Enlistment date20 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name12th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/29/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT RMS Orontes on 24 November 1915
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 19 April 1917

Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)Name not recorded on Nominal Roll.
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 11th April 1917 near REINCOURT after the withdrawal from the HINDENBURG LINE these men [2645 T.W. FOLKARD, 5077 H.B. DICK; 2158 T. DOBE, 2450 J. HOARE, 235 N.G. HATTON, 1875A A.C. ONIONS, 3970 R.C. HOLDEN, 3182 C.E. UPCHURCH, 1747 T. SEE] under the command of Lieutenant JULIN of 52 Battalion volunteered in spite of continuous machine gun and artillery fire, to go out into NO MAN'S LAND and collect wounded. At first they go a hostile reception but ultimately by their persistency and determination, they were permitted to carry on unmolested till dark. In this manner they saved the lives of many who would otherwise have perished in the snow. Two of the number were killed but undetermined the remainder stuck to their task until darkness put a stop to their work. They showed magnificent coolness and gallantry and untiring energy in their difficult task.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death26 November 1959
Place of burialMt Thompson Crematorium

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