Percy LAY

Regimental number137
Date of birth--/02/1892
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressEast Ballan, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, Edward Lay, East Ballan, Victoria
Enlistment date19 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/25/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollT/CAPT
Unit from Nominal Roll8th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF8
Promotion date: 29 September 1917

LT (Temporary CAPT)


Unit: Special Service List Imp Army
Promotion date: 24 February 1918

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Croix de Guerre


'Consistent good work. Courage and initiative at Pozieres.'
Recommendation date: 20 January 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal


'8-9 May 1917. Invaluable assistance to officers during attack and fine example of courage and devotion to duty.'
Recommendation date: 17 May 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal


'(Polygon Wood 20 September 1917) Gallantry and skilful leadership while in temporary command of platoon.'
Recommendation date: 27 September 1917

Military Cross


'(Near Ypres 4 October 1917) Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty throughout attack and able leadership while in temporary command of Coy.'
Recommendation date: 13 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 9 March 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his platoon commander became a casualty on the way to the assembly position, he led his platoon to the position through a heavy barrage. He led them with great determination in the attack, clearing up strong points, and finally established his men in a commanding position on the final objective. The success of the company was greatly due to his gallantry and skill.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Military Medal

''For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When all the officers of his company became casualties he took command at a very ciritcal period and in the face of severe opposition. During the fight for the final objective he was opposed by a field gun at point blank range. He rallied his men under cover and with two men attacked the team with bombs and bayonet from the flank. His splendid example saved many ciritical situations.''
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When all the officers of his company became casualties he took command at a very critical period and in the face of severe opposition. During the fight for the final objective he was opposed by a field gun at point blank range. He rallied his men under cover and with two men attacked the team with bombs and bayonet from the flank. His splendid example saved many critical situations.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 137
Date: 30 August 1918

Croix de Guerre (France)


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917

Family/military connectionsFirst Cousin: 2069 Private Arthur Ernest CORCORAN, 13th Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement, returned to Australia 1 July 1919.
Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal