The AIF Project

Bernard George PITCHER

Regimental number4884
Place of birthFootscray Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLaw clerk
AddressDevereaux Street, Warracknabeal, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, J G Pitcher, Warracknabeal, Victoria
Enlistment date20 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name6th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/23/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 March 1916
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll57th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 57th Battalion
Promotion date: 18 September 1818

Lieutenant


Unit: 57th Battalion
Promotion date: 1 January 1919

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work near Villers Bretonneux on 8 and 9 August 1918.'
Recommendation date: 11 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 5 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the advance East of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX on the 8th and 9th of August this N.C.O. Sergeant B.G. PITCHER was in charge of a platoon of C Company. Under a heavy barrage and in a dense fog he kept his men together and led them throughout the advance, with skill and courage. he was shot through the arm but took no notice and continued through a long and fatiguing day till the objectives had all been taken. When the action was over he was ordered to report to the R.A.P. and was evacuated wounded. His devotion to duty and fine personal example had a splendid effect on his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death22 June 1969
Age at death76
Place of burialCarlyle Cemetery, Victoria

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.