Percy John Gilbert TOFT

Regimental number505
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCivil servant
AddressWalla Street, Bundaberg, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, John Toft, Walla Street, Bundaberg, Queensland
Enlistment date22 October 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name15th Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'This N.C.O. performed excellent work on nights of 8th/9th August, 1916, during operations north west of POZIERES. He was always cool and courageous, and showed a fine example to his men. He consistently displayed splendid qualities throughout and handled his men with much ability, and was of great assistance to his Company Commander. Military Medal awarded 28th August, 1916.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great dash and enterprise in capturing and consolidating an enemy advanced post which was causing casualties to our front line troops. He had no opportunity of previously reconnoitring the ground, and the success of the operation was entirely due to his coolness and determination.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a company. By his skilful arrangements an enemy raid in considerable strength and under cover of intense bombardment was beaten off with heavy casualties. During the night he drove the enemy from the front where they were established. Later, he fought the enemy throughout the greater part of the day with bombs and rifle grenades, and prevented them from establishing machine guns. Throughout he showed untiring energy, and by his courageous and cool behaviour set a splendid example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 2726 Pte Arthur Stanley TOFT, 46th Bn, returned to Australia, 18 December 1918; 1649] 2nd Lt Cecil George TOFT, 25th Bn, killed in action, 4 July 1918.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Cross and Bar, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death9 February 1985
Place of burialRedcliffe Cemetery