The AIF Project

George James Henry READ

Regimental number683
Place of birthMount Morgan Queensland
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFireman
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinMother, Mrs Lizzie Read, Railway Boarding House, Mount Morgan, Queensland
Enlistment date27 December 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name42nd Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/59/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 5 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Sergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll41st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 8 September 1918

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 9 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 21 June 1919
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: 19 February 1920

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: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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