The AIF Project

Alexander McMurray PATTERSON

Regimental number13176
Place of birthMaxwelltown Scotland
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationMinister of religion
AddressWest Perth, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinFather, A Patterson, Claraville, Dumfries, Scotland
Enlistment date22 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameArmy Medical Corps, Special Reinforcements
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/99/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A63 Karoola on 14 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll12th Field Ambulance
FateReturned to Australia 25 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry as a runner near ALBERT on 6th April, 1918 Private Nicholls was sent from Company Headquarters to Battalion Headquarters at 5 a.m. 6th April, 1918, a distance of 1500 yards with an important message. On his way back he overtook some exhausted stretcher bearers and assisted them in bringing in a wounded officer. It was daylight before he could return, but he set out saying "My Company Commander will want me". For 800 yards of his return trip he was fully exposed to enemy snipers, and had many narrow escapes. He crawled a long distance taking advantage of shell holes. Snipers fired at him each time he appeared, but he ultimately got to his destination safely. It was a striking instance of devotion to duty.'

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