The AIF Project

Recommendation date: 8 July 1918

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid against the enemy defences North East of SAILLY-le-SEC on 4th July, 1918. Private KERIN a stretcher bearer, worked throughout the operation, clearing wounded from the area of raid, although his work was handicapped throughout by extreme danger. No Man's Land and our front line were subjected to very heavy Machine Gun fire and shell-fire, but this brave stretcher bearer never hesitated in his work. Three of the raiders who fell wounded within the enemy's lines were assisted back to our lines by Private KERIN, and again, when the raid was over, he crawled out into No Man's Land and dressed and assisted several wounded back to the trench in broad daylight. It was whilst thus engaged that he was severely wounded about the body by a shell which fell near him. [This section has pencil through it.] It is very gratifying to note that although casualties were comparatively heavy, all wounded regained our lines. It was owing to the pluck and devotion to duty displayed by Private KERIN, and his comrades who were inspired by him that such a satisfactory result was possible.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919