The AIF Project

George William PITTAWAY

Regimental number2720
Place of birthNorth Sydney New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationPlumber
AddressFigtree Street, Longueville, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, William Pittaway, Figtree Street, Longueville, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date22 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name30th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/47/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A71 Nestor on 9 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll30th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 3 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 29th September 1918 in the operations between BELLICOURT and NAUROY. Both men were members of a patrol sent out to clear up the position around the village of NAUROY. Their Platoon Sergeant was killed, and the remaining N.C.O. of the Platoon wounded, and both these men took charge of sections, and led them with great dash and skill in the attack on the defences in front of the village, which they succeeded in clearing in spite of determined opposition, and heavy concentrated fire of enemy machine guns. Both men [PITTAWAY and 3069 H. YOUNG] displayed great skill in leading bombing parties along the trenches, inflicting many casualties on the enemy. Being allotted portions of the village to mop up by the patrol leader, they again displayed great dash, and set a fine example to their comrades, and combined captured six prisoners, and six machine guns. Pushing on through the village they rapidly established two posts to the NORTH-EAST, and although the enemy attempted to rush them twice they were well established and organised under the supervision of the two men when handed over to the relieving Unit. The magnificent dash and fine leadership displayed by both men together with their disregard of personal safety and determination is deserving of the highest praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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