Regimental number | 137 |
Date of birth | |
Religion | Methodist |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | East Ballan, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Next of kin | Father, Edward Lay, East Ballan, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 8th Battalion, A Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/25/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 Benalla on |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
Rank from Nominal Roll | T/CAPT |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 8th Battalion |
Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: INF8 Promotion date: LT (Temporary CAPT) Unit: Special Service List Imp Army Promotion date: |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Croix de Guerre 'Consistent good work. Courage and initiative at Pozieres.' Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal '8-9 May 1917. Invaluable assistance to officers during attack and fine example of courage and devotion to duty.' Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal '(Polygon Wood 20 September 1917) Gallantry and skilful leadership while in temporary command of platoon.' Recommendation date: 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: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
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: 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: 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: Croix de Guerre (France) Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169 Date: |
Family/military connections | First Cousin: 2069 Private Arthur Ernest CORCORAN, 13th Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement, returned to Australia 1 July 1919. |
Other details | Medals: Military Medal, Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |