The AIF Project

Francis Oswald OLIVER

Regimental number102
Place of birthPrahran Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationPostal official
Address'Weldon', Collins Street, Thornbury, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinMrs M Oliver, 'Weldon', Collins Street, Thornbury, Victoria
Previous military service28th Australian Army Medical Corps
Enlistment date18 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name1st Light Horse Field Ambulance, A Squadron
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/39/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A27 Southern on 23 September 1914
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Field Ambulance
FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Medal

'About 7 a.m. on 9th October, 1917, a heavy H.E. and shrapnel barrage was put down over the lower levels at the southern end of ZONNEBEKE LAKE. Many casualties occurred in this area, which was totally devoid of shelter and in many parts deep in mud. Private OLIVER repeatedly called for and led parties of volunteers into the areas of heaviest shelling, held the men together by the force of his example and cheery devotion to a high conception of duty, and undoubtedly saved many lives. His bravery in continuing to dress in the open without shelter inviting almost certain casualty, was a splendid example.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Date of death31 March 1973
Place of burialMacquarie Park Cemetery

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