The AIF Project

John Proudfoot LUMSDEN

Regimental number4543
Place of birthAllansford Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationGroom
AddressKoroit, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, M Lumsden, High Street, Koroit, Victoria
Enlistment date2 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 18 February 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 25 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 12 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near ASCENSION WOOD on 18th September 1918. When his platoon Sergeant had become a casualty early in the operation this N.C.O. took his place immediately, In attacking a Hun Machine gun post he displayed marked ability and great courage. With a party of three men and a Lewis gun he worked along the trench until held by fire from a Machine Gun about 50 yards away. By using the Lewis gun to give him covering fire he worked his way around the flank and was at last able to get within bombing distance. After throwing two or three bombs he rushed the post and captured the gun, the crew of 4 men all having been wounded. By his dash and courage he set a fine example which reflected in a valuable manner on his platoon.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 1772 Pte Clyde Alex LUMSDEN, 22nd Bn, returned to Australia, 3 March 1916 (died, 2 April 1916).
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


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