'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack east of HAMEL, on the morning of the 8th August, 1918, this N.C.O. was in charge of a gun team. At the time he was well forward with the attack. Noticing an enemy machine gun nest bringing its fire to bear from in rear of his position, thereby holding up the oncoming wave, he quickly appreciated the situation, got his gun into action, and smothered the nest with fire, thereby enabling the Infantry to rush and capture same. By his prompt action in seizing the situation he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and prevented the attack being held up. Throughout the whole operation he set a fine example of fighting skill and determination.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Regimental number	5457
Place of birth	Brisbane Queensland
Religion	Methodist
Occupation	Mechanic
Address	Croyden Street, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	19
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs M Rees, Croyden Street, Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date	24 August 1915
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	9th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/26/4
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT SS Hawkes Bay on 20 April 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Private
Unit from Nominal Roll	2nd Depot Unit of Supply
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Military Medal 'Work near Hamel on 8 August 1918.' Recommendation date: 18 August 1918
Fate	Returned to Australia 31 March 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack east of HAMEL, on the morning of the 8th August, 1918, this N.C.O. was in charge of a gun team. At the time he was well forward with the attack. Noticing an enemy machine gun nest bringing its fire to bear from in rear of his position, thereby holding up the oncoming wave, he quickly appreciated the situation, got his gun into action, and smothered the nest with fire, thereby enabling the Infantry to rush and capture same. By his prompt action in seizing the situation he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and prevented the attack being held up. Throughout the whole operation he set a fine example of fighting skill and determination.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Rupert REES