The AIF Project

Recommendation date: "5 October and 11 October 1918"

'During the operations near BELLICOURT between 30th September and 2nd October 1918, these men [BLACKHAM, 5437 J. RAMSDEN, 2988 E.P. WALKER] displayed most conspicuous bravery, gallantry and devotion to duty in their capacity as linesmen. Within two hours of the attack they commenced the laying of the line forward from Battalion Headquarters and succeeded in establishing communication with the Front Line in spite of the fact that the whole of the ground they had to cross was swept by heavy artillery fire and that the last 600 yards of the line had to be laid under direct enemy observation and over ground subjected to heavy machine gun fire from the front and both flanks at short range. Later on during the day they also laid a further line forward to the Front Line. Throughout the ensuing thirty six hours these men remained in a forward position and were continually engaged repairing breaks under heavy fire. It was owing to their utter disregard of their personal safety that communication with the Front Line was maintained almost continually throughout the operations.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919