The AIF Project

Robert James McGOWAN

Place of birthLaunceston Tasmania
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationBuilder
AddressLaunceston, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinFather, W McGowan, Tamar Street, Launceston, Tasmania
Enlistment date13 January 1916
Rank on enlistment2nd Lieutenant
Unit name5th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 8
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/17/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 23 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Pioneer Battalion
FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Cross

'Near Bellicourt on 29th September 1918, he was sent in advance of his company to supervise the assembly arrangements. As the assembly was in progress his coolness and initiative under heavy enemy barrage saved casualties to the company. A platoon of engineers had become disorganized through their officer being killed. He reorganized them, and throughout the day supervised their work. While working through Bellicourt he rounded up ten prisoners.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 10
Date: 29 January 1920

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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