The AIF Project

Donald Percy OLIVER

Regimental number318
Place of birthNorth Melbourne Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationPastry Cook
Address6 White Street, Windsor
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinMary Oliver, 6 White Street, Windsor
Enlistment date7 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name29th Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll29th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: "25 May 1918

Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 11 August 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 15 October 1918"

FateEffective 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: 19 February 1920

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: 12 February 1919

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: 14 March 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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