The AIF Project

Recommendation date: "14 April 1917

Recommendation date: 1 October 1917"

'On the morning of the 11th April 1917 near BULLECOURT Lance Corporal LYDSTER successfully mounted his gun in our second objective, during a heavy bombing attack by enemy, and while rifle fire was sweeping this parapet, stood by his gun and kept a vigilant watch until ordered to retire. He then carried his gun to our rear line and prepared to resist if that line should be tenable. On this becoming impossible he displayed presence of mind in putting his gun out of action before abandoning it.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 66
Date: 2 May 1918

'This N.C.O. displayed conspicuous gallantry and skill in the attack on the 26th September, 1917, near ZONNEBEKE. While in charge of a machine gun in the front line during an enemy counter attack he inflicted heavy losses on enemy who were being brought up by motor busses. While in charge of a strong post consisting of one Vickers and one Lewis gun 25 yards in front of the front line, the position was blown in, all his own gun crew being wounded and of the Lewis gun crew one being killed and one wounded. Sergeant LYDSTER immediately manned his Vickers gun and sent to the Infantry Commander for another crew for the Lewis gun and commenced firing on enemy who were seen approaching 200 yards away under a heavy artillery barrage. It was largely due to this N.C.O.'s coolness and bravery that the enemy's counter attack in this particular sector was frustrated.'