The AIF Project

Rayford Royal McKAY

Regimental number4255
Date of birth23 September 1898
Place of birthMildura, Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationPostal employee
AddressKaradoc Avenue, Mildura, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinFather, Mr A F McKay, Karadoc Avenue, Mildura, Victoria
Enlistment date1 August 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Battalion, 13th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on 29 December 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'For great courage near Strazeele on 14 June 1918.'
Recommendation date: 22 June 1918

FateReturned to Australia 12 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During an enemy counter-attack on our posts near STRAZEELE on 14th June, 1918, whilst taking a message from the post on his right, Lance Corporal MCKAY was seized by three Germans. Later when one man was left as his escort he waited his opportunity and attacked his escort. He succeeded in returning to his post and together with a small party of men pursued a body of about twenty of the enemy across No Man's Land.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death2 January 1986
Place of burialPortland, Victoria

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