The AIF Project

John Baxter MACDONALD

Regimental number4857
Place of birthBendigo Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBooking clerk
Address3 Selbourne Street, Auburn, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, Mr A Macdonald, Quarter Master, Royal Park Camp, Victoria
Enlistment date15 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 8 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During operations at BELLICOURT on 29th September 1918. For gallantry and devotion to duty. When the Battalion moved forward to east side of BELLICOURT a heavy fog prevailed every where and enemy 77's and Machine Guns were putting down a barrage on us at about 500 yards. These two men [MacDONALD and 19 J.R. ADAMSON] acting as runners went out to locate Forward Brigade Headquarters and Forward Headquarters of other Battalions were were working with. After having twice run into enemy Machine Gun posts they managed to find Brigade Headquarters and other Battalion Headquarters, where they delivered their messages and received dispositions, messages etc. Coming back they were confronted with enemy Machine Gun Post firing 30 yards from Battalion Headquarters. They immediately crawled in and delivered their messages and gave information re Machine Gun which was making movement impossible. This gun was captured a few minutes afterwards. Throughout the operation these men continued to do work of this standard.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

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.