The AIF Project

Otto Herman WAGENKNECHT

Regimental number5933
Place of birthGympie Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressKybong, Brisbane Road, Gympie, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs Emma Wagenknecht, Kybong, Brisbane, Road, Gympie, Queensland
Enlistment date19 June 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name25th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/42/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A36 Boonah on 21 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll25th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 18 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the attack near MONT ST. QUENTIN, North East of PERONNE, on 2nd September 1918, this N.C.O. was in charge of a double Lewis Gun section. His company was temporarily checked by the very heavy enemy machine gun fire from a post in front. This N.C.O. took his two guns and advanced well in front of his Company, and partly outflanked the enemy post. He then very skilfully advanced his guns, enabling his platoon to proceed. He passed from one gun to the other several times under extremely heavy fire, and finally, when the platoon advance continued, he was the first man into the enemy post, where he killed four of the garrison, and forced the remainder to surrender.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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