James Meldrum BINNIE

Regimental number3808
Place of birthAberdeen Scotland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationHorseman
AddressBedford Park, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinFather, J A Binnie, Dunira via Tailen Bend, South Australia
Enlistment date15 June 1917
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 10
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/17/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 30 October 1917
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll48th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 25 September 1918

FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in South Australian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations near LE VERQUIER on the 18th September, 1918. Private BINNIE when his Company was held up by machine gun fire from DEAN COPSE pushed forward with his lewis gun and silenced an enemy machine gun. He then led his section and rushed the enemy post, capturing the gun and eight of the enemy. Noticing a party of the enemy holding up a portion of his Company flank he directed the fire of his guns on to the enemy thus greatly assisting his Company to advance. It was due to Private BINNIE's fine example and leadership that a large number of casualties were prevented and his platoon was able to continue the advance. His skill and bravery throughout the whole action greatly encouraged the men of his platoon.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death19 October 1969