The AIF Project

Robert John PLACE

Regimental number2472
Place of birthMolong New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressPonto, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation17
Next of kinMother, Mrs Caroline Burt, Ponto, New South Wales
Enlistment date15 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name54th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/71/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 30 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll56th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 4 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 23 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the period 24-9-17 to 28-9-27, whilst the Headquarters 54th Battalion was situated in old German strong point (J.14.b.2.8) in GLENCOURSE WOOD, Privates PLACE and [2218 B.] SHAW were employed as Battalion Headquarters Runners. On thirteen different occasions when mechanical means of communication were impossible or the nature of the despatch prohibited it from being sent other than by runner, these men carried messages through a most intense enemy barrage. on four occasions they volunteered for this work. Their cheerfulness, devotion to duty and splendid example proved of inestimable value.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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