The AIF Project

'During heavy shelling on the night of 6th/7th May, 1917, Driver PETTIGROVE was standing by with Motor Ambulance at 'BREWERY' Advanced Dressing Station, a shell struck a detached building about 15 yards away in which Private O'DEA was sheltering, severely wounding him and causing extensive haemorrage. on learning the facts of the case, Driver PETTIGROVE at once said "Come on, we must get him out" and followed by Private SPENCER, he went across and having dressed Private O'DEA's wounds, under heavy shell fire, both H.E. and shrapnel, carried Private O'DEA to shelter. Later on he drove the wounded man to the main Dressing Station, along roads still under fire. Driver PETTIGROVE's action is particularly good, as being a motor driver, it is no part of his duty to bring in wounded under fire. The action of these two men undoubtedly prevented Private O'DEA from bleeding to death.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 109
Date: 15 September 1919

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 6th and 7th September, 1918. He evacuated cases from the R.A.P.. on the main PERONNE - ROISEL Road and afterwards in vicinity of HAMEL when the R.A.P. moved forward. On both days there was a lot of shelling round the R.A.P. and he ad to drive his car through heavy enemy shelling to evacuate the wounded. This he did with disregard for his own personal safety and with great cheerfulness. On several occasions when the line had advanced some distance from the R.A.P. he voluntarily took his car forward to bring down some wounded men who were on the roadside, passing through heavy shell fire to do so. He worked continuously for the two days without a spell and was instrumental in getting the wounded quickly to the Dressing Station, thus ensuring speedy medical attention for their wounds and alleviation of their pain.'