The AIF Project

Robert Maldon BARRETT

Regimental number5042
Place of birthMaldon, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrocer
AddressPalk Street, Horsham, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, Mr C H Barrett, c/o Mr J Reynolds, 88 Bridge Street, Ballarat, Victoria
Enlistment date31 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll31 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 1 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll58th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For marked gallantry and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Battalion Headquarters runner during attack by 58th Battalion on PERONNE on 2nd September 1918. He made many runs both to Front Line, neighbouring units and back to rear Battalion Headquarters, all the while exposed to heavy shelling in the town and machine gun fire in the direction of the front. In addition he carried all the ammunition he could bear on trips up to the front line, or up to Battalion Headquarters from rear Battalion Headquarters as demands for ammunition kept coming in. On this, as on other previous occasions, his bravery and devotion to duty were an inspiring example to all ranks.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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