Regimental number | 318 |
Place of birth | North Melbourne Victoria |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Pastry Cook |
Address | 6 White Street, Windsor |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 23 |
Next of kin | Mary Oliver, 6 White Street, Windsor |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 29th Battalion, A Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/46/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 29th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Bar to Military Medal Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Effective abroad (still overseas) |
Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Bellicourt, on 29 September, 1918. At the advance on Nauroy he led his platoon with great dash and coolness during the advance up the sap, and afterwards along the Le Catelet Line, towards Cavaret Farm. He successfully led his platoon forward on the night 29-30 September, and established his position in the railway cutting north of the Nauroy Railway Station, the whole time being under heavy machine gun fire. Throughout these operations he behaved most gallantly.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20 Date: Military Medal 'At SAILLEY-le-SEC on the night of 24/25th May, 1918. He showed bravery and great skill when on patrol. A fighting patrol was sent forward in order to attack enemy post and gain identification. L/Sergeant OLIVER was allotted the duty of placing the party which covered the right flank of the patrol into position, in the selection of which he displayed great judgement. He, together with two others (Lieut. C.E. DAVIS and Private W.T. THOMSON) rushed the post and carried out the wounded prisoner on his back, a distance of 300 yards under very heavy Machine Gun fire, thus obtaining identification. This N.C.O. has performed similar gallant deeds on other occasions. At SAILLEY-le-SEC on the night 24/25th April 1918, two volunteers were called for to go forward 600 yards across open country which was being swept by enemy Machine Gun fire, to bring in a wounded Officer. This N.C.O. with Private THOMSON immediately volunteered, and brought the Officer (Lieut> R. CORNISH, D.C.M.) into our lines under fire and carried him to the R.A.P. a distance of a mile.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: Bar to Military Medal 'At MORLANCOURT, South West of ALBERT on the night 28th/29th July 1918 he displayed cool and gallant leadership. during the attack on the enemy trench system he showed coolness, initiative and resource in the face of many difficulties, whilst in command of the left platoon of his Company. The maze of trenches forming the 'Strong Point' allotted to the Company, together with the darkness of the night, rendered the task of keeping direction most difficult, while a heavy enemy barrage added to the difficulties. His Company was advancing further ahead that the Company on the left and this made his left flank exposed. he, however, led his platoon on with great dash and gallantry, keeping a splendid grip on his sections, and after brushing aside all opposition and capturing a machine gun, was able to reach his final objective and protect his flank until the Company on the left came up. The cool, capable and fearless manner in which he handled his command was of the utmost assistance to his Company Commander.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |