The AIF Project

Clifford William King SADLIER

Regimental number2858
Place of birthCamberwell, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCommercial traveller
AddressSubiaco, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Height5' 9.5"
Weight129 lbs
Next of kinFather, Thomas George Sadlier, c/o Goode, Durrant Ltd., Grenfell Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date25 May 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll26 May 1915
Place of enlistmentPerth, Western Australia
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name51st Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/68/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 9 November 1916
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll51st Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 24 August 1918
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For conspicuous bravery during a counter attack by his battalion on strong enemy positions. Lieutenant Sadlier's platoon, which was on the left of the battalion, had to advance through a wood where a strong enemy machine gun post caused casualties and prevented the platoon from advancing. Although himself wounded, he at once collected his bombing section, led them against the machine guns, and succeeded in killing the crews and capturing two of the guns. By this time, Lieutenant Sadlier's party were all casualties, and he alone attacked a third enemy machine gun with his revolver, killing the crew of four and taking the gun. In doing so, he was again wounded. The very gallant conduct of this officer was the means of clearing the flank and allowing the battalion to move forward, thereby saving a most critical situation. His coolness and utter disregard of danger inspired all.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Discharge date22 February 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Embarked, 25 June 1915. Returned to Australia on board HT 'Nestor', 'On duty, Nursing Staff', 13 March 1916.

Embarked Fremantle, 9 November 1916, as 2858 Pte, 7th Reinforcement, 51st Bn; admitted to Isolation Hospital on board, 11 November 1917; discharged, 28 November 1917; total period of treatment for venereal disease: 18 days; disembarked Devonport, England, 10 January 1917. Marched in to 13th training Bn, Codford, 11 January 1917, and reverted to Private. On Command at NCO's School, Kandahar, 13 February 1917.

Proceeded overseas to France, 9 May 1917; joined unit, 13 May 1917. Promoted Corporal, 18 May 1917.

Promoted 2nd Lieutenant, 14 July 1917.

Wounded in action, 25 April 1918 (gun shot wound, right arm); admitted to 5th General hospital, rouen, 26 April 1918; transferred to England, 27 April 1918, and admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, 28 April 1918 (wound: slight); to 6th Auxiliary Hospital, 7 June 1918.

Awarded Victoria Cross.

Commenced return to Australia on board 'City of Karachi', 24 August 1918; disembarked Melbourne for overland travel to Perth, 24 October 1918; appointment terminated, 22 February 1919.

Medals: Victoria Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II: Service No W48375.

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