The AIF Project

Royce SPINKSTON

Regimental number545
Place of birthAdelaide South Australia
ReligionProtestant
OccupationClerk
AddressMill Street, Clarence Park, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Henry Spinkston, Mill Street, Clarence Park, South Australia
Enlistment date25 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name10th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/27/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board Transport A11 Ascanius on 20 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll50th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 8 October 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'At Villers-Bretonneux during the operations on the night 24/25th April, 1918, this N.C.O. when his officer was called upon to take over other duties assumed command of the platoon and ably led them during the rest of the operations. He showed splendid courage and initiative. On one occasion he took out a Lewis gun and engaged an enemy machine-gun at close range, finally silencing it, thereby allowing the line to advance. Immediately after the attack he reorganised his men and started them digging in. Throughout the operation he encouraged and cheered his men, setting a fine example by his own personal courage and coolness.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Date of death31 May 1973

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