Regimental number | 1389 |
Place of birth | Minmi New South Wales |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Regent Street, Cessnock, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Next of kin | Father, W Oswald, Regent Street, Cessnock, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 13th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/30/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Company Sergeant Major |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 13th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'Work near Morcourt on 8 August 1918.' Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance on a village this Warrant Officer was in charge of his company mopping up partyu. Perceiving a gap of about 400 yards in the attacking line he immediately led his party into it, and bringing fire to bear on the enemy machine guns enabled the battalions to close up again. Later, his company was subjected to galling enfilade fire, but, steadying the men, he led them forward, and while they were digging in moved freely about, encouraging them in their work. He was of great assistance to the C.O. in siting the new line and distributing the men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: Military Medal 'This N.C.O. was in charge of a ration party carrying to the front line East of MESSINES on the night of 22nd/23rd August, 1917. The route traversed by his party was entirely "overland", was constantly under machine gun fire and subject to sudden artillery barrage. Returning with his own party he heard that a party carrying to another part of the line was lost. Oswald immediately went out in search of the party which had been scattered by shell fire. Though the shelling was still heavy he collected them all with their loads and guided them to their destination. The arrival of rations with clock work precision despite all enemy action is a stimulus to morale and a state of affairs that can only exist through courage and devotion to duty such as shown by this N.C.O.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 19 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Place of burial | Newcastle Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium |