The AIF Project

Richard Valentine LATHLEAN

Regimental number1167
Date of birth--/04/1894
Place of birthNewcastle New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressCarrington Parade, New Lambton, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs Sarah Lathlean, Carrington Parade, New Lambton, New South Wales
Enlistment date10 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentWarrant Officer
Unit name35th Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/52/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A24 Benalla on 1 May 1916
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll35th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF35
Promotion date: 17 January 1917

Lieutenant


Unit: INF35
Promotion date: 25 June 1917

Captain


Unit: INF35
Promotion date: 11 November 1918

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


'Work near Hamel on 8 August 1918.'
Recommendation date: 13 August 1918

Bar to MC


Recommendation date: 7 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 11 May 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and initiative in re-organizing and directing parties of his company in thick fog during an attack, and later in supervising and consolidating the position won. He personally rushed a machine gun and killed or captured the crew. He did very fine work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 4 March 1919

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack at Cerlu on 28th August 1918. He commanded the support company, and over exceptionally difficult country kept them close up to the assault troops. Later, during the exploitation, he displayed fine leadership in establishing posts and seizing ground in the face of determined opposition and heavy fire. He showed great daring in filling a gap on two occasions.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Cross, Bar to Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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