The AIF Project

Robert Charles LAING

Regimental number844
Place of birthBourke Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinFather, Jas Laing, Springfield near Romsey, Victoria
Enlistment date8 February 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name22nd Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/39/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Unit from Nominal Roll22nd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'For distinguished service and gallantry in action near Bullecourt, when he continued to serve his mortar throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn.'
Recommendation date: 12 May 1917

FateReturned to Australia 6 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'The above men [LAING, 970 W. PARSONS, 1981 G. NELSON, 3798 P.J. COUCH, 4470 D. McQUEEN, 4509 R.G. McSHANE, 1797 W.R. FOWLER] distinguished themselves in action in the captured trenches near BULLECOURT on 3rd May 1917, by the gallantry and determination with which they continued to serve their mortars throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn on the 5th. On no occasion was a request for fire not complied with, though the battery suffered severe losses (over half its numbers). No chance of observing fire or getting targets was thrown away and the casualties the Battery inflicted on the enemy were certainly very heavy. On one occasion a hostile party was barraged first in front, then in rear, and when brought to halt blown out without a survivor. In this the above N.C.O.s and men played a prominent part.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.