The AIF Project

Robert PORTER

Regimental number3404
Place of birthPyrmont New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationBlacksmith
Address31 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, A. Porter, 31 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge, New South Wales
Enlistment date26 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name3rd Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/20/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 2 November 1915
Regimental number from Nominal Roll3404A
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Divisional Signal Company
FateReturned to Australia 8 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For devotion to duty and courage. This man is a member of No. 1 . Sub-Section of this Company attached to the 13th A.F.A. Brigade. On 29th august 1918 on the PERONNE front, he was detailed with an N.C.O. to lay a telephone line from 13th A.F.A. Brigade Headquarters North East of BELLOY EN SANTERRE to the 15th Australian Infantry Brigade at the Brickworks, VILLERS CARBONNEL. The approaches to the latter position were under direct observation of the enemy and heavily shelled by 5.9 and 4.2 Howitzers during the whole afternoon. he was working on the line under these conditions for 5 hours, and greatly assisted in establishing and maintaining communication until it was considered impossible to further maintain it. he then went out with his N.C.O. and laid a cable along a different route. He and his companion were both considerably fatigued as they had already experienced a heavy period of work. He had several narrow escapes from the enemy shelling but was most willing in his duties which were performed without regard to personal safety. By his perseverance, courage, and devotion to duty he greatly contributed to maintaining satisfactory communication between the Units concerned.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

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