Regimental number | 4548 |
Place of birth | Ballarat East Victoria |
Religion | Methodist |
Occupation | Draper |
Address | 103 Barkley Street, Ballarat East, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 18 |
Next of kin | Father, Mr W Messer, 103 Barkley Street, Ballarat East, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 8th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/25/5 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 15th Trench Mortar Battery |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'During the operations in which the 15th Australian Infantry Brigade were engaged on 26th September 1917, Lance Corporal MESSER was in charge of one of our detachments which advanced with the 59th Battalion. On reaching their objective Lance Corporal MESSER and his detachment 'dug-in' and constructed an emplacement for their mortar. Shortly afterwards the mortar was blown up and three of the detachment were wounded. Lance Corporal MESSER immediately returned to our former front line and obtained a reserve mortar. On the return journey one of his two men was wounded, Lance Corporal MESSER at once seized the piece which the wounded man had been carrying and in spite of the heavy artillery barrage and his double load (he was now carrying both the base plate and the piece of the mortar) managed to reach his position. Just as he reached the emplacement he received a message that an enemy machine gun was still in action on our left front. he immediately got his mortar into action and silenced the Machine Gun. By his bravery and devotion to duty MESSER set a splendid example to all who came in contact with him.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |