The AIF Project

Harold William Edwin BURDETT

Regimental number5104
Place of birthBasket Range, South Australia
ReligionMethodist
OccupationFarm labourer
AddressBasket Rnge, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs Alice Agnes Burdett, Basket Rnge, South Australia
Enlistment date20 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name27th Battalion, 13th Reinforcement
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board A37 Barambah on 27 June 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll2nd Corporal
Unit from Nominal RollAnzac Provost Corps
FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Medal

'Private BURDETT's great bravery and heroic conduct as a stretcher bearer during the night attack astride the BRAY-CORBIE Road on 29th July 1918 was of a very high standard. Under incessant and very heavy shell fire he carried out his duties, dressing wounded and stretcher bearing with remarkable coolness and lack of concern for his own personal safety. During the operation he was, himself, wounded but continued to carry on dressing other wounded and, only after they were all disposed of, would he consent to go to the R.A.P. to have his own wound dressed. When dressed he repeatedly asked that he might not be evacuated as he felt he could and wished to continue his duties if possible. His gallant conduct has impressed itself on all those who came into contact with him and his cheerfulness and devotion to duty is a sine qua non throughout his company.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death7 March 1964
Place of burialCentennial Park Cemetery

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