The AIF Project

Edward Williams MATTNER

Regimental number8380
ReligionMethodist
OccupationSchool teacher
AddressOakbank, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs Emily Louisa Mattner, Oakbank, South Australia
Enlistment date7 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 6, Battery 18
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/34/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A34 Persic on 22 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollAdjutant
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 9 July 1919
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)*second given name is William
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the battery coming under heavy fire, when in action, this N.C.O. took control when the battery commander was wounded and after a detachment had become casualties and a gun set on fire. He kept the battery in action, got the wounded away, and displayed the greatest determination and ability. Exposing himself fearlessly to hostile fire he brought the battery through a period of great difficulty at a critical time.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Military Medal

'At PLOEGSTEERT on 1st June, 1917, these N.C.O.s and man [8423 W.J.F. SAGE], under the orders of Major E.T. DEAN, whilst the 18th Battery was being heavily shelled, displayed the greatest bravery and devotion to duty in extinguishing on three separate occasions fires which had broken out from the hostile shelling in treee gun pits of the battery and in several ammunition dumps. Whilst the gun pits were on fire, and the ammunition in them, and several dumps surrounding the battery were exploding, they brought buckets of water to the Battery Commander who was standing on top of the pit being dealt with, and worked in the pits with him putting out the fire. They subsequently put out the burning dumps, on more than one occasion boxes exploding whilst they were handling the dump. On the pits again catching fire under the heavy shelling they returned in the race of it and successfully renewed their efforts. Their disregard for personal safety, fine devotion and determination undoubtedly saved the guns and a large quantity of ammunition, 1,500 rounds only being destroyed out of some 5,000 stored at these pits.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. A party of infantry came under heavy fire near his battery position, one being killed and several wounded. Though the shelling continued incessantly for half an hour he at once collected a party of four men, dressed all the wounded, and removed them to a place of safety. He was himself slightly wounded, but remained on duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 150
Date: 24 September 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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