Regimental number | 683 |
Place of birth | Mount Morgan Queensland |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Fireman |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 18 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Lizzie Read, Railway Boarding House, Mount Morgan, Queensland |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 42nd Battalion, C Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/59/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A30 Borda on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Sergeant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 41st Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Military Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'On 29 September, 1918, during operations south of Bony, while his platoon was bombing its way up the Hindenburg Line, he displayed great daring and initiative by covering the advance with a Lewis gun, and so allowed the party mopping up to continue their work of clearing out a machine gun. From the trench in which his platoon was working he crept out in face of the fire from six enemy machine guns, covered the enemy strong point from a distance of 40 yards, drew the fire, and thus prevented the enemy from firing on our bombers. This enabled them to get within range from bombing, and they cleared the strong point.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20 Date: Military Medal 'On 1st September, 1918, during operations North of PERONNE, T/Corporal READ displayed great initiative and courage in the handling of his Lewis Gun Section. Perceiving that a flank platoon was being temporarily checked by enemy Machine Guns, he crept forward to a commanding position and at great personal risk observed the position of these guns. He then moved back to the Platoon, took charge of his section, and moved them to a flank where he successfully engaged and silenced the enemy guns. By his prompt action, T/Corporal READ undoubtedly saved us many casualties and enabled the advance to be continued.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |