John Alva Stirgess LYON

Regimental number20
Place of birthBrunswick Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationClerk
Address26 Cassells Road, Brunswick, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, A P Lyon, 26 Cassells Road, Brunswick, Victoria
Enlistment date20 March 1914
Rank on enlistmentCorporal, Clerk
Unit nameBrigade 6, Headquarters
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/6/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 10 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll21st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal (altered from Distinguished Conduct Medal)


Recommendation date: 25, 27 May 1918

FateReturned to Australia 9 February 1919
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)*Stated to be John Alfred Lyon on NR
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the morning of the 19th May, 1918. During the attack on VILLE-SUR-ANCRE near Albert, whilst acting in the capacity of Platoon Commander (His Officer having become a casualty) this N.C.O. led his men forward with great gallantry to the objective. His display of leadership inspired all with confidence. Having supervised consolidation, he took out a patrol with the purpose of getting in touch with the enemy. This patrol encountered a number of the enemy who opened up with machine gun fire, resulting in himself and two others becoming casualties. he however remained at his post, encouraging his men, who accounted for a number of the Huns. By this determination, and the aggressive character of his actions he was able to successfully lead his men to all their objectives; they being inspired by his gallant and fearless example. After two and a half hours, although himself wounded, he managed to bring in another man, more severely wounded, over a distance of three hundred yards under heavy machine gun and sniping fire. He then reported to company Headquarters and rendered valuable information both as to our own movements and dispositions, and also those of the enemy. He gave definite reports as to the establishment of four enemy posts. On the way out he was again severely shaken, by an exploding shell. His conduct at all times has been of the highest standard.'