The AIF Project

Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Supplement, No. 29845 (1 December 1916); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 (19 April 1919)

'At BIR-EL-ABD on 9th August, 1916, the Ambulance and 6th Light Horse Regiment being compelled to rapidly abandon a locality owing to the enemy artillery opening on them, he returned and searched the place which was still under fire, to ascertain that no one was left wounded. Later, with another bearer, under heavy fire, he passed through the line, which was retiring, and took led horses to some wounded left in front. He also took one up beside him, returning with five or six. On 4th August, about 1500, he was sent with two sandcarts to cross a dangerous piece of ground in full view of the Turkish position, to bring wounded from the 3rd Australian Light Horse Regiment. While returning with patients on board, an enemy gun opened on the, bursting two shells immediately over the cart, and one just in front of the leading team. the horses swerved to the right, and started to gallop. Corporal Brennan immediately galloped to the head, slowed them to a walk, and kept them walking although two more shells burst over them. The enemy gun then ceased fire. It would have been a serious matter for the patients had he galloped out.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917